Truth be told, I did more than that.
The pop star shot to fame in 2008 with her breakthrough single, I Kissed A Girl, and last night she revealed the true meaning behind that song.
During her emotional acceptance speech for the prestigious National Equality Award at the Human Rights Campaign Gala, she revealed:
"I speak my truths and I paint my fantasies into these little bite size pop songs. For instance, ‘I kissed a girl and I liked it.’ Truth be told, I did more than that"
She opened up about her personal struggle balancing sexuality and religion. She admitted she attempted to "pray the gay away in Jesus camps":
“How was I going to reconcile that with a gospel singing girl raised in youth groups that were pro-conversion camps? What I did know was I was curious and even then I knew sexuality wasn’t as black and white as this dress."
She added:
“I haven’t always gotten it right, but in 2008 when that song came out I knew that I started a conversation and a lot of the world seemed curious enough to sing along, too.”
She also took the opportunity to praise the LGBT community:
“I found my gift and my gift introduced me to people outside my bubble and my bubble started to burst. These people were nothing like I had been taught to fear. They were the most free, strong, kind and inclusive people I have ever met.”
Watch the full speech here:
After receiving her award, Katy tweeted:
I will never cease to be a champion, an ally, a spotlight and a loving voice for all LGBTQ-identifying people. â¤ðŸŒˆðŸ’ªðŸ»(part 1) https://t.co/Swaz38wUwr
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) March 19, 2017
I feel sparkly as fuck! Truth be told, I think a lot of that has to do with the magic that has rubbed off on me, from all of you.✨🌈â¤(part 2) https://t.co/IZrjbVGdXP
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) March 19, 2017