The Australian singer Troye Sivan talks coming out, being a role model and writing songs about men as his love interest in a new video.

Speaking to Rolling Stone, Sivan said coming out was “the best thing that I’ve ever done in my entire life”, as it set the precedent for his career and journey to becoming an LGBT icon.

At 18-years-old, the Blue Neighbourhood singer came out in a vlog on his popular YouTube channel. “This is not something that I’m ashamed of,” he said, “and it’s not something that anyone should have to be ashamed of.”

His video for "Youth" was lauded for his inclusion of a male love interest, staying true to himself and his feelings: "there's a lot of power in that," he asserted.

Dazed 100 contender Sivan, who is now 21-years-old, also discussed the affect his sexuality had on his career and the music he makes. “I didn’t want to sign my record deal ‘closeted’, so I came out right before I signed my deal,” he said. “It allowed me from day one to write music that was completely honest.”

 “The first step and the hardest step is coming out to yourself,” he added, as advice for people who haven’t yet come out. “Realising who you are and your identity – once you’ve gotten past that process – make sure you’re in a safe environment. And if you feel it is a safe environment, I would highly, highly recommend coming out. I can speak from personal experience and say it’s been the best thing I’ve ever done in my entire life.”

Watch Troye Sivan on coming out below.