Troye Sivan is 31, shirtless, sweaty, and apparently still causing the internet to have a full-blown identity crisis over one very important question: Can a man be a twink past 30?
The singer recently posed alongside Sam Nivola for New York Magazine’s inaugural Men’s Style issue, giving us the kind of steamy fashion moment that practically begged the gays to start debating terminology. The internet, naturally, did not disappoint.
One comment declared, “Troye is a 31 year old man. He’s not a twink.” Another asked, “Isn’t Troye too old to be twink?” Meanwhile, someone else cut straight to the point with, “they’re having a twink off.”
And honestly? We need to discuss.
What Exactly Makes a Twink?
The twink industrial complex has apparently reached the point where we need a committee, a dictionary, and possibly a gay Supreme Court.
Traditionally, “twink” has been used within gay culture to describe a young, slim, often youthful-looking man. But, as with most gay terminology, the definition gets a little fuzzy once you actually start applying it to real people.
Because what happens when the twink turns 30? Does his membership card expire? Is there a ceremonial handoff to the next generation? Does someone from the Gay Council arrive at his apartment and confiscate his crop tops?
Sivan certainly seems to have escaped that imaginary deadline.
The New York Magazine shoot, featuring Sivan and Nivola alongside Christopher Abbott, Mike Faist, Elliot Page, and Marlon James, has already given the issue plenty to talk about. But apparently, two shirtless men standing next to each other was all it took to turn fashion editorial into the gay Olympics.
READ: Troye Sivan Tops, Wears a Jockstrap, and Looks Great Doing It
Meanwhile, Sivan Is Busy Being a Pop Star
While the internet debates his twink credentials, the singer has more important things to do, like dropping new music.
The singer recently released Party, accompanied by a medieval-themed music video that somehow manages to include Madonna and Sir Ian McKellen. Because apparently, subtlety was never invited to this party.
PARTY ⚔️ OUT NOWWWW https://t.co/5FdXYkQiWK pic.twitter.com/Zj4VGhHuLI
— 👼🏼 (@troyesivan) September 17, 2026
The new dance-pop track is part of the buildup to Troye’s upcoming album, She’s the Best. In the video, Sivan mouths along to Madonna’s Music, giving us another delicious little reminder that this man knows exactly where his pop influences live.
And there may be even more Sivan coming our way soon.
The Twink May Be Coming to the Stage
Sivan is set to perform at Apple Music Hall on October 13 as part of the venue’s inaugural run of shows. Elton John is scheduled to open the series on September 28, marking his first live UK performance in nearly three years.
So, whether you call him a twink, a twink-adjacent pop prince, or simply Troye being Troye, one thing is clear: 31 has never looked quite so controversial.
Nope, not a twink. There has to be a cutoff somewhere. I think that now puts him in “twunk” or “otter” territory and since he’s not hairy it’s gotta be twunk.
I mean, he’s still hella hot and dreamy regardless and talented as all get out, that part didn’t change.
At 70, a 40 year old stud muffin can be a twink in my eyes. Beauty, and labels thereof, has and will always be in the eye of the beholder. No blame, no shame!
Twink doesn’t have to do with age. It is about body type. He is unquestionably a twink. The term for younger is “chicken”
“Twink” is a combo of several factors including physical appearance and age, but not strictly body type. Otherwise that means a thinly framed youthful appearing 55 year old man is still a twink and I’m sorry but no. Age IS a factor and Troye can still skate by (barely) being a twink but he’s looking more like a skinny effeminate grown man than a twink these days. If he doesn’t physically age for another 10 years he can’t still be called a twink just because. When that word is used, twink, no one is thinking men in theor 30s, 40s and beyond so it just doesn’t work except in incredibly rare situations.
exactly