Katy Perry has come a long way from singing about kissing girls. On Saturday night the pop star took home the National Equality Award from the Human Rights Campaign at a charity gala in Los Angeles. During her acceptance speech, Perry opened up about her religious childhood and her own struggle with same-sex attraction.
"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 revealed.
The "Hot N Cold" singer then recalled how she grew up singing gospel music at pro-conversion camps while wrestling with her own sexuality. "What I did know was I was curious," she revealed. "Even then I knew sexuality wasn't as black and white as this [Rasario] dress."
Perry went on to admit that when it comes to equality, she hasn't always come at it from the right angle, but she's always trying to do better.
In 2008, Perry released the hit track "I Kissed A Girl" and the lesser-known, not as LGBTQ-friendly track "Ur So Gay," which Perry later told Parade Magazine was a result of her formerly conservative mindset.
These days, Perry has not only been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ rights, she is also a vocal feminist. "Believe me, it would have been easier just to stay the whipped cream tit, spring, poppy, light, fluffy, fun, anthems-by-the-way-of-animal-totem singing girl who was basically somewhat neutral in a stance and just thought more hugs could save the world," she said. "No longer can I sit and stand in silence. No, I have to stand for what I know is true and that is equality and justice for all period."
Also on HuffPost