Texas frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri receives ‘homophobic abuse’ despite not being gay

Texas frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri, who won the Inspirational Ally Award at the inaugural Metro Pride Awards, has said she receives ‘homophobic abuse’ despite not being gay.

Speaking at the Awards on Wednesday, February 26, the Scottish singer, 57, who is married to chef Bryn Williams, 47, discussed the ‘out of order’ comments.

“A lot of the homophobic comments that are made – which is a really strange and funny thing – is that they are normally towards me,” she said.

She added: “And I’m like, “Well, I’m not. But what does it matter? I’m not.” To me, it is a completely out of order comment to actually make to somebody. What, you’re going to judge me based on what you think my sexuality is?”

Sharleen has detailed in the past how music industry bosses told her to change the way she looks, and said people assume she is a lesbian because she has short hair.

Speaking on the I Never Thought It Would Happen podcast with Chris Difford, Sharleen said: ‘I remember they were like, “you dress like a boy.” For years it was like, “she must be a lesbian.” Why? Because you wear short hair and big boots.’

Spiteri feels many of the attitudes that were around when she was in her late teens are still present but just more ‘hidden’ now.

She said: ‘They still do say that shit but it’s just hidden really well. People say it’s better now, it’s not, it’s just not right in front of your face. It’s hidden so well.’