Odeña, Thamiah Izabell B.

BSE-English 1A
Activity (Week 4)
Psychosocial Dimensions of Sexuality

1. Cite examples of Freddie Mercury's sexual behaviors as stated in the article.

- It was said in the article that Freddie Mercury never wanted to have an in-depth discussion
about his sexuality with the public. Mercury also hid his sexuality from his family. Mercury is very
close to his family, but he never discussed his sexuality with them. He had relationships with
both men and women. Mercury dated Mary Austin, and they had a serious relationship. They
lived together for several years and got engaged before Mercury told Austin that he was bisexual.
Mercury was also seen with men, while he was with Austin and after ending their sexual
relationship. He had relationship with Paul Prenter, David Minns, chef Joe Fanelli, DHL courier
Tony Bastin, German restaurateur Winfried "Winnie" Kirchberger, and Jim Hutton. Freddie’s
visitors to his dressing room started to change from hot chicks to hot men. It was also stated in
the article that Mercury was often visiting nightclubs and bars, and having one-night stands.
Freddie Mercury never confirmed his sexuality until he died. Even though he did not confirm his
true sexuality, his circumstances in his life, loves and career give insight on his true sexuality.

2. How did Freddie Mercury expressed his sexual identity? Cite examples from the article.
- Since Freddie Mercury was hiding and avoiding to become open about his sexuality, he used
different ways to express his sexual identity. The worldwide hit written song by Mercury
"Bohemian Rhapsody", has a lyric like "Mama, just killed a man" could be a reference to
Mercury doing away with his heterosexual self. Freddie Mercury used his band and music to
express his sexual identity. Being a rock star allowed Mercury to push gender boundaries. He
suggested to name the band Queen, which at the time was a derogatory term for a gay man. He
wore outfits at his concerts that left gender and societal norms behind. He wore leotards, angel-
wing cloaks, tight shorts, and leather or PVC attire that evoked a biker image then popular in gay
nightclubs. Freddie Mercury’s expressed his true self to everybody through his talent in music.

3. Relate how Freddie Mercury's psychosocial facets led to his untimely demise brought by
unsafe sex practices.
- Mercury hid his sexuality because of the people. He is afraid to show and tell everyone his true
self because of the people’s judgement and he was also worried about how his public image and
legacy would change if he will reveal his sexuality. He knows that world and even his family
will not accept his sexuality. He grew up at a time that same-sex attraction was considered as a
mental illness, a tragedy, a joke, or some combination of the three. LGBT people is unacceptable
that time. Freddie Mercury and many gay men felt pressured to hide their sexuality, including
from their families. Mercury's parents practiced a Zoroastrianism religion that considered being
gay as a type of demon worship. But Mercury remained close to his family throughout his life,
and he never discussed his sexuality with them. Mercury did not confirm his sexuality even he
was diagnosed with AIDS. He denied reports about his illness and being gay. Freddie Mercury’s
risky sexual behavior and unsafe sex practices caused his death. He said before he died that it is
better to keep the information private in order to protect the privacy of those around me.