Missy Higgins and her ex-girlfriend detail the pressure they felt to keep their relationship out of the public eye early on in her career

Missy Higgins and her ex-girlfriend detail the pressure they felt to keep their relationship out of the public eye early on in her career

As a dedicated follower of Missy Higgins’ career and personal journey, I find her bravery and resilience truly inspiring. Her openness about the challenges she faced early in her career, particularly the pressure to keep her relationship with Emma Goodland hidden amidst growing fame, is a testament to her strength and authenticity.


Australian artist Missy Higgins has shared insights into the tension she experienced hiding her same-sex relationship as her fame increased.

On ABC’s Australian Story that aired on Monday, the artist behind “The Sound of White,” who is now 40 years old, disclosed that she had been in a clandestine romance with her tour manager, Emma Goodland, during the initial stages of her career.

In earlier times, there was much curiosity among people about my romantic relationships, as well as my personal sexual orientation – who I was romantically involved with and their gender, Missy disclosed.

At that point, I discovered it was quite challenging for me since I was yet to grasp things fully, and moreover, I’m inherently quite private.

Emma, who made an appearance in the same episode, mentioned that it was a complicated period for the celebrity, as they were making efforts to keep their relationship private.

‘Newsflash. I was that person,’ Emma said, confirming the relationship.

As someone who has spent many years nurturing relationships, both personal and professional, I can confidently say that shared experiences are a cornerstone of building strong connections. Going out together, whether it’s a simple walk in the park or a grand adventure, creates memories that bond people in unique ways.

Missy mentioned that her romantic involvement with Emma concluded while working on her second album titled “On A Clear Night.” She further expressed admiration over how effortlessly modern youths seem to handle the expression of their sexuality.

Missy Higgins and her ex-girlfriend detail the pressure they felt to keep their relationship out of the public eye early on in her career

Present-day children often confidently express themselves as being open to change regarding their gender identity and sexual orientation, using terms like “gender fluid” and “sexuality fluid.” If I were growing up today, I believe I would feel the same way: opting for no restrictive labels.

However, when I entered this field, it was shrouded in secrecy and stigma. Everything seemed incredibly daunting, and I didn’t have the courage to express my true self. All I yearned for was a place of tranquility where I could blend unnoticed.

In 2004, the artist who dominated the charts with her song “Scar” initially sparked discussions about her sexuality. This was further fueled when she shared with Rolling Stone magazine in 2005 that everyone has some degree of bisexuality within them.

As a lifestyle advisor, I found myself sharing my journey on Anh’s Brush With Fame in 2021. At that point, I recounted how I felt pressured to categorize myself as gay, even when I was still grappling with understanding my own sexuality. It was an enlightening experience to express this part of my personal journey.

In the past, there were many people guessing about my private identity regarding my sexual orientation, an aspect of myself that I was deeply contemplating and struggling with.

Missy Higgins and her ex-girlfriend detail the pressure they felt to keep their relationship out of the public eye early on in her career

‘Every journalist was seeking a response from me; they all hoped I would openly declare my sexuality as being gay.’

Missy admitted that she found herself unable to cope with the continuous stress, which ultimately drove her to step away from the spotlight.

Whenever I had an interview, I found myself in a guarded state as they were delving, attempting to make me reveal something unintended. Trying to get me to use a personal pronoun, you understand? I would think, How can I explain the meaning of this song without saying “she”?’

Experiencing it was almost like a deep wound, in a sense. As a result, I adopted a persona characterized by closing off, which left me incapable of fully expressing myself due to the intense vulnerability it would entail.

More recently, Missy has shared how her divorce from Dan Lee, which was made public two years ago, has significantly affected her life.

In a conversation with New Idea in March, she expressed that following her divorce, it seemed as if the entire narrative she had crafted for herself had been reduced to ashes.

Missy Higgins and her ex-girlfriend detail the pressure they felt to keep their relationship out of the public eye early on in her career

Back in January of 2022, I was left utterly stunned when Missy broke the heartbreaking news on Instagram that my beloved couple had decided to part ways. In her emotional post, she shared insights into their journey as they navigate co-parenting their beautiful children together.

‘Six months ago Dan and I separated. I became a single-parent,’ her lengthy post began.

An occurrence I had not anticipated and one that I am finding difficult to fully comprehend, truth be told.

Missy Higgins and her ex-girlfriend detail the pressure they felt to keep their relationship out of the public eye early on in her career

Later on, the renowned singer confided that for quite some time, she harbored apprehensions about the disgrace of an unsuccessful marriage and the breakdown of her family. Regrettably, these very situations came to pass in her life.

‘I was so determined for this not to be my story,’ she lamented.

We’ve explored numerous methods to maintain the tale’s vitality, preserve unity, and continue discovering fresh paths of optimism, though this could also be seen as persistent optimism veiled in denial.

Life, as we know, has a way of taking unexpected turns, doesn’t it? And once more, I find myself brought low, deeply humbled by the realization that I can’t always steer its course.

Read More

2024-09-03 05:35

Previous post Axed 2DayFM host Ed Kavalee breaks his silence after his Hughesy, Ed and Erin breakfast show was cancelled amid dismal ratings