THINK TWICE
Twins models Jack and Alex from The Amazing Race.
When identical twins, models Jack and Alex Newell, entered The Amazing
Race, no one expected that a national conversation about men and mental health would ensue.
Jack (straight) and Alex (gay) tell Matthew Myers about their experience and their crazy life together.
DNA: What prompted you to enter The Amazing Race?
Jack: I’ve always watched the show and I thought, “One day I want to do that!”
Alex: Jack and I have this funny energy where we will finish an argument and then start laughing at ourselves. So I thought we just had to go on the race as it would be so funny for people to see us stress, bicker and yell. But I also wanted to be there with my brother and make some lifetime memories.
Jack: On the second day, we decided it would all be about having fun. Not worrying about winning, but to enjoy each other’s company and I think that was conveyed on TV. We do have a very unique dynamic. Alex is gay and very extroverted…
Alex: Hey, that’s not everything about me! I’m more than my sexuality…
Jack: I’m straight and nerdy and Alex is sassy to me, and I just take it.
What lead to the decision to leave early?
Alex: We were in isolation for around 16 days and I don’t think I was mentally prepared. I knew I’d be stuck in a hotel room but I didn’t realise how small it would be and lost a bit of control. It was government mandated and out of The Amazing Race’s power, but the experience was still not pleasant. To be stuck in there that long with my crazy-arse brother! [Laughs] But seriously, he helped me a lot in talking through my feelings. There’s only so much you can do though, and I went onto the show feeling a pressure to be happy. It’s hard to describe, but the joy and colour of my life just went. My anxiety flared up, and I realised I had a lot of stuff from my past to deal with. I was really empty inside.
Jack: When all of that came out on TV and social media, the response was astounding, with people saying how much they could relate. One person said that for years she was recommended to go to a psych by her doctor, and after seeing us say how mental health is more important than a TV show and money, she got the confidence to finally seek that help. I said to Alex, if that’s all that comes from this, then it’s been worth it.
Alex: It also started a conversation on men’s mental health. We did get negative comments like, “Just buck up” or “What a drama queen!” but I was surprised by just how supportive people have been. I’m glad it’s brought mental health into the spotlight. It’s very important.
What’s your advice for anyone suffering from anxiety or depression?
Alex: I see a psychologist every fortnight and I also saw a life coach. I’m thinking of making some podcasts about it because I’ve had a pretty weird experience with psyches and you have to find what works for you. My top priority this year is to get my mental health in check, and some tools under my belt to deal with any demons. I don’t want any of this to continue into my further life.
Is working as advocates for mental health awareness something you want to pursue?
Jack: One hundred percent. That’s one of my personal visions. Three out of four suicides are men. We need to reach out and teach them that being vulnerable is okay. The best thing to do in those moments is to realise that it’s not weakness. When life knocks you down, you need to reach out. I feel the definition of man needs to change. The strong silent type is not a man. The vulnerable man is a man.
For those of us who are not twins, can you explain the bond?
Alex:
I always hated being a twin when I was young. We had to share a room and birthdays. But one day I was walking in a park with Jack and our dad and I was complaining about being a twin. Dad told me that I had it so lucky. I was born with a soul mate and would forever have this extra person in my life and would never feel alone. That plays in my head often, and I’m reminded of how lucky I am. Having a twin is really magical… and I’m getting emotional talking about it. I love him more than anything and I know he feels the same.
For you, Alex, has having a straight brother helped with coming-out and combating school bullying?
Alex:
I wasn’t picked on that much. I came out at around 22 but previously I would control the way I moved and spoke. I tried not to say the letter ‘s’ for fear of falling into a lisp and I would never dare stare at a guy for too long. It was such controlling behaviour that no one could ever tell I was gay. My dad was also very homophobic. When Jack and I were about 15 he drove us away somewhere and said, “If you are gay, get out of this car right now and never come back!” I was very under that threat. If I ever came out, I would lose my home. My parents have since broken up and when I did come out, Jack was the first person I told. His response was, “I think it’s the soy milk you drink. It contains estrogen!”
Jack, did you have an instinct that Alex may be gay?
Jack:
The night he told me, we were sitting outside looking at the stars and there was a silence. In that moment, I knew instinctively that he was about to come out to me. I did also wonder why, in Year Seven at school, he was so popular with the girls. That made me a bit jealous and I thought, “What’s he got that I haven’t?”
What music are you both into?
Jack: I listen to Thomas Bergersen, who most people don’t know. It’s like music you’d hear on movie soundtracks.
Alex: I’m very sensitive, even with music. If I hear a sad song I’ll be sad the whole day so I make a point to listen to happy pop music. I love a good girl group, like Little Mix.
Jack: Oh, that’s so stereotypical! [Laughing] Alex: I’m just a normal gay guy. [Laughing] Okay, this is an exclusive! No one else knows this but I was in the second round to be on Australia’s Got Talent. I auditioned for it and then covid hit. I sang the 007 themes Skyfall and Writing’s On The Wall but no one got to hear my beautiful voice!
Are there any disadvantages in being an identical twin?
Jack: They are outweighed by the advantages. Although… one time Alex’s boyfriend came up behind me while I was washing dishes and humped and kissed me. I’m like, “Fuck off! It’s Jack!” [Laughing]
Alex: I don’t think there’s many negatives. The only thing is that you lose a tiny bit of your individuality. I remember being out clubbing and people would see me, look over my shoulder and say, “Where’s Jack?” We do get comparisons, but it’s not a competition. Besides, I’m prettier with better cheekbones and jawline!
You’ve both modeled for Mecca Maxima and Hugo Boss. How did that come about?
Alex: Jack flew to Sydney first, although he began modeling in Adelaide and signed with an agency in Sydney. Then I followed…
Jack: Are you telling my story?
Alex: Yes, and you’re welcome! [Laughing]
And what’s your fashion sense like?
Alex: I’ll answer for Jack! He’ll wear a really good top from H&M, pants from Target and then it gets worse as you go down. The shoes are from K-Mart and the socks are usually brightly coloured and sore to look at! But I usually wear tonal colours.
Jack: Alex will come home with this miniscule prosciutto-thin blue shirt, where he’s basically wearing nothing! He’ll say, “This cost $300 dollars!” And I’ll say, “Alex, I can see your nipples!” That’s Alex!
Alex: What the hell? I have better style than that! I really like Karamo’s style on Queer Eye. I love a good boot, tight jeans and a big bomber jacket. Boots are sexy on guys.
Where are you guys heading into the future?
Alex: My main goal was to become an actor, but I’m enjoying the whole current “personality” thing and being a spokesperson for mental health. I’m really open to any opportunities that come my way.
Jack: I’m enjoying my acting and writing, and I recently played Basil Fawlty in the Fawlty Towers dining experience at the Adelaide Fringe Festival. I also want to be involved with mental health education, especially for men. That’s my vision!
MORE: Catch up with The Amazing Race Australia on 10Play
Find Jack @ jacknewell_
Find Alex @ alexdanielnewell
If you or anyone you know is suffering from depression, anxiety or needs mental health assistance, consider contacting: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Pilot: pilot.com.au/mental-health
Dad said, ‘If you are gay, get out of this car right now and never come back! – Alex In that moment, I knew instinctively Alex was about to come out to me. – Jack