HANDSOME

QUEER MUSICIAN CAITLIN PARK HAS REINVENTED HERSELF AS HANDSOME. LITTLE SURPRISE, THEN, SHE DESCRIBES HER PRETTY ELECTRONICA SONGS AS “TOMBOY POP”. STORY BY MARC ANDREWS.

DNA: We love the name Handsome. It suits you. Handsome: Thank you. It has always been a title I aspire to. As a compliment, it made sense to me more than other words.

Why take on a moniker like Handsome and not just be Caitlin?

I wanted a name that was a statement and something that was relatable. There are political and personal reasons I chose Handsome. I’m not a huge fan of the name Caitlin.

Do you think a woman can be called handsome and a man pretty?

Good question! Yes, indeed. Part of the reason Handsome is my name is it’s a good reminder that handsome is a word created to describe an aesthetic, it’s not a rule. Gender is a construct and so are the words handsome and pretty. We are who we are.

What’s your ideal of a handsome man?

Dashing and charming, with long hair and a big smile.

Describe Handsome’s music for us.

I call it “tomboy pop”. It’s got attitude and a certain swagger. It’s bold, loud and left-of-centre pop. Who do you see as your contemporaries in the music industry?

I’m a big fan of The xx, Sylvan Esso and WET. I love what Aldous Harding, Solange, SZA and Banoffee are doing. My favourite rapper of all time in Ivy Sole. Who were your idols growing up?

Joey Jeremiah from Degrassi Junior High and Johnny Depp in Cry Baby. I used to have very short hair and I gelled it to make a lick in the front; and Cat Power for her songs, her honesty in music, and her stamina as an evolving artist.

Did you have gay friends growing up?

I did. I also had some gay idols, older queer friends who I looked up to. Everyone needs a gay idol. I didn’t have any gay friends at school but they were all happy for me to explore it… often with them at parties [laughs].

How do you view the queer scene at the moment? It feels special to be part of the queer community. If I had a choice I’d choose to be born gay rather than straight a million times over. There is so much joy and happiness; so much encouragement to express yourself.

How do you view the concept of marriage equality?

So many people have been waiting to get married, so many people deserve to get married, and everybody should have the right to do so. But it’s not just about marriage, is it? It’s about being counted as equal. Even if you are gay and have no bloody interest in getting married, you should still have the right to.

Equality is clearly something you care deeply about.

Yes. My heart hurts when I see two older men who’ve been together for 60 years, or so, and still can’t marry. It pains me when I hear about the suicide rates of queer people who believe there’s something wrong with them. Mostly, as human beings, we must learn from the past. If we want young queer kids to live happy lives they need to know from a young age that being queer is fab, enriching and empowering. What better way to start than telling them they are equal and safe? Are you romantically attached?

I am very romantically attached, yes. She is beautiful and graceful and kind.

How much do you love Sam Smith?

Sam Smith is a babe, and what a voice. Pray is a masterpiece. He is a pop star, plain and simple. Even if he is gay non-binary, it’s not a genre. What’s ahead for you in 2018?

I want to do great things. I’d love to tour overseas and write music with people I respect and love as artists. I want to continue to innovate and evolve as an artist. Most of all, I want to be happy as a musician. You’ve got to manage your expectations and keep your sanity in check, and remember why you do it… because you love it. I’m going to release more music – an EP called No Hat No Play is on its way. Then it’ll be shows, shows, shows and more writing.

Do you have any ambitions to be an actress or do other things in showbiz?

Hmmm, I would love to direct film, and write for the theatre.

Speedos or boardshorts for guys at the beach and why?

Speedos, babe. Boardshorts are just a colourful lie [laughs].

Any closing words for your gay public?

I love you all so much. Thank you for making me my whole self. You are wonderful. These were by far the best questions I’ve ever answered!