Katy Perry accepted the National Equality Award on Saturday night at the 2017 Human Rights Commission Los Angeles Gala, and delivered a helluva speech. One that included the admission that she did more than just kiss a girl, as her 2008 anthem so loudly declared.

“Truth be told, I did more than that!” she said while accepting her award. “But how was I going to reconcile that with the gospel-singing girl raised in youth groups that were pro conversion camps? What I did know was that I was curious, and even then I knew that sexuality was not as black and white as this dress.

youtubeView full post on Youtube

“But in 2008, when that song came out, I knew that it started a conversation that a lot of the world seemed curious enough to sing along to it.”

Katy also shared that she “prayed the gay away at Jesus camps,” but then her “bubble started to burst” when she met people who were different than her.

“These people were nothing like I had been taught to fear," she said. "They were the most free, strong, kind, and inclusive people that I have ever met,” she said. “They stimulated my mind, and they filled my heart with joy, and they danced with joy while doing it. These people are actually, magic, and they are magic because they are living their truth.”

Katy also talked about her politics; sharing that her life would be easier if she stayed the “whipped-creamed-t–s-springing-poppy-lite-coffee-fun-anthem-animal-totem-singing-girl” who didn't talk about politics.

“No longer can I sit in silence,” she said. “I have to stand up what I feel is true and that is equality and justice for all, period."

this image is not availablepinterest
Bear Grylls//Digital Spy

Follow Laura on Twitter.

From: Cosmopolitan US