FEATURED: Keiynan Lonsdale | Instagram
EVENT: Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras | Website | #Sponsored
Aussie actor/musician/super hunk Keiynan Lonsdale is one of the must-see headliners at this year’s Sydney Mardi Gras Party. He tells DNA he’s ready to let his sexuality shine on stage and we’re living for it already!
Talk us through your own personal history with Sydney Mardi Gras!
When I was a kid, my older and straight brothers used to attend every year and always claimed it was hands down the best party. I was way in the closet and way too scared to go. Then when I was finally out, I was living overseas. 2023 was my first real Aussie home soil experience, with World Pride, on stage hosting and performing at the closing ceremony. Being in amongst some of the Mardi Gras madness was my first ever real time and it was nothing short of a dream.
What can we expect from you this year at Mardi Gras?
Every year I’m more comfortable within myself and my sexuality so I’m keen to let that shine on stage and… I might be doing a music medley from an artist who’s inspired me as a performer my whole life.
What are you planning to wear at Mardi Gras and what’s your go-to party outfit?
My go-to going-out outfit is to make it up on the spot. I never know what I’m feeling or vibing until I’m getting ready so I try to tune in to an energy that lifts me into feeling confident. I make sure it’s something I can dance in. In terms of what I’ll wear for MG… [pauses dramatically]…it has layers.
Speaking of sexy, we love your current The Heart Defence Mixtape release.
Thank you! I’m really glad the mixtape is resonating and doing what was intended.
Tell us about the inspiration for it.
The feeling of the artwork was inspired by the artist I mentioned above, actually. There’s a moment in my set where both the artwork and the artist are nodded to in a fun and sexy way.
Is there a new album in the works?
As for new music beyond that, yes! There’s a project being built that dives even deeper. I’ve been working on it for over three years. 2024 is the year where I get to perform a whole lot and finally connect to my audience the way I’ve wanted to for so long. The live shows are probably the first time new music will be heard and my fans will see my story unfold in person first before it’s extended online.
Are you attached to any film/TV projects currently?
Yeah, I’m really excited for my next TV show called Swift Street to air on SBS in April. I play a character named Tom and I learned how to box/fight for the role. It was a definitive moment for me and my understanding of what masculinity is to me.
It’s six years since the original Love, Simon movie. How did it change your life?
It inspired me to come out myself and helped give me a platform to represent part of our story as a rainbow family. I’m very fond of the gifts.
What are the causes closest to your heart at the moment?
Right now, it’s mental and spiritual health, and I mean that as genuinely as possible. I’m not soppy; I believe we are capable and at times required to power through life/work/pain to do what’s needed in the toughest times. I also strongly believe this can only occur with actual support structures to instil someone with that fortitude and perseverance. Sometimes you won’t have that healthy support. You won’t be seen or heard for and will need to quickly develop your personal skills to empower and support yourself. Part of that comes down to trust and faith that even if you seem alone and helpless, you are not and will be reunited with love on the other side of your hardship if you can pick yourself up and keep going.
Are you currently based in the US or Australia these days?
I travel between both but in 2024, I’m everywhere.
What do you miss most about Australia when you’re away?
It’s my people, of course. Nothing beats the ones you’ve had in your life since day one and I just feel very lucky to still have connections like that. Even through all this time and growth apart, we remain a soul family.
We’ve often hoped for a duet between you and fellow Aussie Troye Sivan.
Hey… keep shouting it to the universe and let’s make it happen! I have a song in mind.
Anything else important you want to tell us?
I’m so excited to soon be sharing my first-ever vinyl record of my 2020 debut album Rainbow Boy. My team and I have worked so hard on this gift for the listeners and it’s looking and sounding incredible.
Catch Keiynan live on stage at Sydney Mardi Gras Party on March 2 alongside other big names including Adam Lambert, Ultra Naté and CeCe Peniston.
For more on Keiynan, find him on Instagram, X and Facebook.
