Feature Friday with Michael Power
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Happy Friday, friends. It’s been a pretty awful week, hasn’t it? From the tornadoes that devastated Nashville (click here to help those affected) and with Super Tuesday, it seems like a rough couple of days for pretty much everyone.
Today’s Feature Friday is Michael lives in Stockholm with his husband. Here he shares his biggest inspiration, what it was like growing up, at one point, in a “blokey” environment, and how his mother took it when he came out to her (hint: it gave us chills in the best possible way). We enjoyed getting to know Michael, and we think you will, too. See what we mean below…
On an Australian upbringing: Growing up down under definitely shaped me in a positive way, I learned to ride horses and motor bikes and go hunting. But, I also got to dance and sing and act and appreciate the unique landscapes that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. I grew up in a masculine environment where you were expected to act a certain way. But I learned a lot about what I’m capable of and now I never say no to an experience.
I grew up in various states of Australia, Victoria, Northern Territory and Queensland. When I was growing up all three states were in various ways conservative. The Northern Territory, primarily is quite a small city, Darwin. It’s here that in my mind was the most conservative, the city is so small but also very blokey (masc) and I was this semi-feminine gay boy and obviously that was a complete secret.
On the freedom of Amsterdam: The freedom there is so enveloping. There’s no fear of being who you are, interested in what you’re interested in or anything like that. The history spans back centuries and is one of the most iconic places I’ve ever been.
On an interesting fact: I used to be a dancer, up until I broke my back. Ballet was such a passion.
On his favorite part about himself: My smile, I think you can tell a lot about a person about how they smile.
On what brings him joy in life: My family - husband and dog. They just get me and their happiness brings happiness to me. And my photography.
On coming out: [I was] 14, and it was a horrendous experience. I was bullied my entire life by “friends” and “family”. I was sitting on top of a building prepared to end it all when my mum joined me. She was distraught but sat down beside me and just hugged me. She told me it was okay, nothing would ever stop her loving me. And then in that moment was when I told her I was gay, when I came out she was the literal best mother. Other family members took it less well and just by association meant that they must also be gay.
On moving and learning to be himself: When I moved interstate to Queensland I learned to love myself for me and was happy being myself and no amount of bullying would stop me being true to myself. I learned really quickly who to tell and those people are still some of my closest friends even across the globe. I certainly lost the love of family, the religious ones and to me that felt okay. I just didn’t understand how someone they’ve never met could hate someone that’s never met me either. My step father, a military raised man took it the hardest. He expected a lot from me and being gay didn’t fit that mold.
On an important self-discovery: I learned that I’m resilient. I’m strong willed and completely capable of anything. I also learned to trust my opinions, my gut feelings about people.
On his biggest inspiration: Sam smith. He’s content being him, his voice is powerful and he oozes confidence, body and mental.
On looking ahead: I want the vanilla things, kids and a house with a yard. A room full of books and having my novels published.
On advice to today’s LGBTQ+ youth: If you feel fear that is completely instinctual about the safety of your life then you get on a bus and get the f@*k out, call a friend or family member and ask to stay with them. Feeling afraid of being yourself is totally normal. Just remember you choose when you’re ready. Also, our community is there for you. Reach out and someone will help you. You are normal, beautiful and you are fierce.
You are not alone. You are resilient and you will persevere through the tumultuous wave that is life. But mostly teach even if you aren’t a teacher. Teach others about tolerance and acceptance. Just be you and remember that we’ve all been that scared little boy trying so hard not to let what’s inside show.
Thank you so much, Michael! You can follow him on Instagram here. Hope you have a beautiful weekend, friends! xx
