Katy Perry

Katy Perry talks about her sexuality & how she tried to "pray the gay away"

Speaking about I Kissed A Girl, Katy said: “Truth be told, I did more than that"...

20 March 2017

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Katy Perry has dated the likes of Russell Brand and Orlando Bloom, but has always been open about her sexuality (I Kissed A Girl and I Like It, anyone?) and stood up for LGBT rights. While accepting her National Equality Award at the 2017 Human Rights Campaign Gala in Los Angeles on Saturday night, Katy spoke about her Christian upbringing in an inspiring speech...

The 32-year-old opened her award speech by speaking about her hit single: “I speak my truths and I paint my fantasies into these little bite-sized pop songs, for instance: I Kissed a Girl and I Liked It.”

Katy continued: “Truth be told, I did more than that. 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 sexuality wasn’t as black and white as this dress.

“Honestly, I haven’t always gotten it right, but in 2008 when that song came out, I knew that I started a conversation that a lot of the world seemed curious enough to sing along to.”

Katy continued: “My first words were ‘mama’ and ‘dada’, ‘God’ and ‘Satan’. When I was growing up homosexuality was synonymous with the word ‘abomination’ and ‘Hell’, a place of gnashing of teeth, continuous burning of skin and probably Mike Pence’s ultimate guest list for a BBQ. So most of my unconscious adolescence, I prayed the gay away at my Jesus camps.

“But then in the middle of it all, in a twist of events, 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’d been taught to fear. They were the most free, strong, kind and inclusive people I had ever met... Oh my goddess, what a revelation – and not the last chapter of the Bible.

“Suffice to say, it’s been a long road for me and I’m sure a long road for many of you out there. I know it doesn’t always feel safe to live out who you are, but here’s the thing, though: I would not have chosen a different road.

“You don’t get to choose your family, but you can choose your tribe.”

Go, Katy!

Check out her best looks here...

Getty Images
2004
Not yet a star but already with five years in the music industry under her belt, Katy Perry – née Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson – gives us a taste of sartorial things to come, working a distinctly retro vibe in this silk blush pink and blue tea dress at a Sass & Bide party in LA.
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2005
Still on the cusp of making it, KP attends a gallery exhibition in LA. However, our favourite pop princess looks a far cry from the queen of quirk we come to know and love – instead stepping out in this distinctly mid-Noughties bootcut jean and pointed shoe ensemble. We’re not quite sure where the fan fits in either… Maybe it was a particularly hot evening?
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2005
Meh. It seems that 2005 is not Katy’s fashion year. At a boutique opening in LA, the still as-yet unsigned star takes to the red carpet in an impossibly dour shorts, T-shirt and heels ensemble. Indeed, by the look on her face, it seems even Katy is unimpressed by her wardrobe choices.
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2005
At another launch six months later, our Katy’s style is still languishing in the doldrums. Covering up her incredible figure in this slouchy outfit, we’re still waiting for the real KP style to shine through.

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2006
Now we’re talking. Looking uncannily like her celebrity doppelganger Zooey Deschanel, Katy Perry returns to her retro chic roots in this simple-yet-stunning lemon midi-dress and matching blood red lips and heels. Is this the sartorial turning point?
Rex Features
2006
Alas, it would seem the answer is no. Just a couple of months later Ms. Perry steps out in this ensemble – complete with the ultimate fashion-no-no: skin-coloured tights. (Unless you’re Kate Middleton, who makes them strangely stylish.)
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2007
Just months after being dropped from her then-label, Katy is picked up again by the music magnates at Virgin. Set to be a big year for the star, this is the turning point for her now-fabulously successful career and – it would appear – her fashion credentials, too. Working an embellished top with peek-a-boo bra and black skinnies, there is a fashion maverick to be made of her yet.
Rex Features
2007
At a fashion week show – not Ascot, despite appearances – in 2007, Katy Perry continues to showcase more and more of what is to become her signature style in this frothy, pink strapless dress and fascinator combo.

Getty Images
2008
With substantial buzz already surrounding her, and just three months before the release of her first big hit, Katy Perry hits another fashion week bash in New York in a cutesy floral blue mini dress, black opaque tights and boots – not to mention those faux geeky specs.
Rex Features
2008
But it’s not until May of the same year, with the release of [/i]I Kissed A Girl[/i], that Miss Katy Perry finally arrives. Channeling her inner Dita Von Teese, the former Christian rocker looks every inch the sex bomb in a black chiffon dress, gold Chanel bag and satin heels.
Rex Features
2008
It is the playsuit that is most synonymous with the early days of Katy Perry-dom and performing on The Today Show, her kooky, red polka-dot playsuit and head of raven curls is hands-down definitive KP.
Rex Features
2008
On the promotional tour for her first solo album One Of The Boys, Katy Perry’s attention to sartorial detail at a photocall in Las Vegas is second to none. She’s coordinated the entire ensemble with the location, and everything in this cheeky look is Vegas-worthy – right down to her playing card headband and dice necklace!

Rex Features
2008
At the 2008 MTV VMAs it was quintessential Katy Perry who rocked another itsy-bitsy outfit on the red carpet. Part showgirl, part 50s beach siren, we couldn’t get enough of red carpet style in this über-cute playsuit, clutch and hair slide number.
PA Photos
2008
The kooky wardrobe doesn’t stop there, though. In fact, it’s just the beginning. At the MTV VMAs, KP takes to the stage in a carousel corset dress by Manish Arora, which was one of ten - yes, ten - outfit changes for Katy that night.
PA Photos
2008
And who can forget the pink playsuit with her namesake on it...
Rex Features
2008
However, when the situation calls for it, Katy Perry proves she can do demure like the rest of ‘em, opting for this easy, breezy, chic nautical number from Dolce & Gabbana at their showroom in Milan.

Rex Features
2008
And just a week later, Katy Perry’s transition into high fashion is complete with an angelic turn on the Christian Dior front row at Paris Fashion Week in this pretty while floral strapless frock with punchy lavender heels.
PA Photos
2008
The eyes have it! Playing co-host at the MTV EMAs in Liverpool in 2008, Katy wows the crowds in this Jean Charles de Castelbajac frock with an adorable Leiber strawberry cupcake bag that can’t help but appeal to our sweet tooth.
Rex Features
2008
One thing we always admire is Katy’s love of dressing for the occasion. Cue a Christmas concert at Madison Square Garden, and our girl turning up as a sexy Mrs. Santa.
Rex Features
2009
After a stellar few months finding her fashion groove, we’re left cold by this rather staid white suit and black camisole ensemble at the NRJ Music Awards in Cannes. Top marks for the blunt bob and fringe, though.

Rex Features
2009
Hold Up. We take it all back. Looking like a Hollywood screen goddess from yesteryear at the 2009 Grammy Awards, Katy Perry completely blows the red carpet competition right out of the water. Showcasing her enviable curves to perfection, we loved everything about this gown, from the slightly-too-much bow in the middle to KP’s spot-on hair and beauty look.
Rex Features
2009
Not one to be labeled a one-trick pony though, Katy Perry works a glam rock ‘n’ roll jeans and embellished top look complete with cage shoes for the Sanremo Music Festival just a week later.
Wenn
2009
She’s not the queen of quirk for no reason and Katy further cements her crown with some unusual airport style in the summer of 2009. Not content with the usual tracky-bums and slouchy cardi that most of us tend to fly in, Ms. Perry entered the arrivals lounge in a Russian airport in a red PVC dress coat with interesting gold accessories.
Rex Features
2009
Yet fashion hero status is restored at the 2009 Summertime Ball in London. As Katy took her style inspiration from Minnie Mouse in this adorable two-piece, we fell right back in love.

Rex Features
2009
Mixing it up again, Katy steps out in this impossibly stylish and rather more mature look at the Lulu Guinness 20th Anniversary Party at the V&A in London. We love the pop of hot tangerine teamed with the more sedate grey hues.
Rex Features
2009
Gorgeous? Yes. Bonkers? Definitely. Staying one step ahead of her critics, Katy pays homage to her single Waking Up In Vegas with this sequinned number covered in fluffy dice for a performance on The Today Show. Her backing singers are even dressed as dollar bills!
Rex Features
2009
At V Festival, Katy gives an inimitable nod to the British summertime in a way only she would know how – a stage outfit inspired by the great British dessert, strawberries and cream.
Rex Features
2009
Despite Kanye West eventually stealing the show in that acceptance speech bombing, on the red carpet at the MTV VMAs it was a different story. Putting her curves to work in a spangly, metallic confection we, quite simple, want to be Katy Perry.

PA Photos
2009
Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street? Katy can. Rocking this cartoon-tastic, bow-fronted Jean Charles de Castelbajac dress with hot pink heels at the designer’s spring/summer 2010 show, KP hits another fun-filled fashion top note.
Rex Features
2009
Confirming her pop icon status in just over 12 months, Perry plays host for the first time at the MTV EMAs in late 2009, opting for this stunning, pale pink gown with black embellishment, topped off with a super chic chignon.
PA
2009
Another of the night’s notable outfits is this creepy ‘bullet-hole’ prom dress by avant garde designers Viktor & Rolf. It’s not to everyone’s taste but you’ve got to admit, it could’ve been made for the singer.
Rex Features
2010
Just a couple of weeks after announcing her engagement to British comedian Russell Brand, Katy Perry’s street style takes a more assured turn. Spotted in LA after lunch with her then-beau, the pop princess looks chic in a simple H&M knitted dress, fedora and Alexander McQueen skull print ballerina pumps.

June 2010
To launch her Teenage Dreams album, Katy turns to favourite designer Zuhair Murad and a Wonder Woman-style wig for this Smurfette-meets-sex kitten outfit at the MTV Movie Awards.
Wenn
June 2010
At the UK X Factor auditions – where Miss KP is a guest judge – the pop princess plumps for metallics in this short ‘n’ sharp Jenny Packham number. We especially admire the fun colour pop courtesy of those stand-out purple nails and heels.
PA Photos
August 2010
However, the following month at the notoriously raucous Teen Choice Awards, Katy Perry's quirky style reaches iconic proportions in this somewhat questionable leather ensemble.
PA
August 2010
But just to keep us all on our toes, Perry channels her 80s teen alter-ego from the Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F) video, emerging from backstage in a playsuit and polo-neck, complete with braces and a pair of oversized specs thrown in for good measure.

PA Photos
November 2010
Just weeks after the tying the knot with Brand in India, Katy Perry proves that she isn’t about to kick her quirky outfits to the back of the wardrobe just yet, turning up at the MTV EMAs in this Jeremy Scott cinema ticket dress. Well, the rules are there to be broken...
Rex Features
April 2011
Testament to the fact that she has two killer wardrobe modes – sparkling and sexy, or kitsch and totally crazy – Katy opts for this Philip Armstrong number (which falls firmly in the former camp) for the premiere of her then-husband Russell Brand’s movie Arthur. One word - gorgeous!
Rex Features
July 2011
...And from slinky and sexy to a Smurf dress. Not taking fashion too seriously, the ever-eclectic dresser steps out in this unorthodox frock at the premiere of The Smurfs movie. Bet you can’t guess which character she voiced? Answer: It’s on the dress.
Rex Features
October 2011
A snappy dresser both on and off-duty, Katy Perry even manages to wow in her street style with this Telephone Box-print Moschino dress, which she expertly teams with a sensible trench coat and cute winter hat.

PA Photos
November 2011
If there's one fashion lesson that can be learned from Katy Perry, it's this: don’t go for half measures. Having decided on an Oriental theme for her AMAs outfit, she goes all-out in this stunning sequin Vivienne Westwood dress, plus flower hair detail. And bravo, say we, to that.
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February 2012
After announcing that her marriage to Brand was over just weeks before, Katy Perry puts her best foot forward in this sumptuous, slightly bonkers Elie Saab dress at the Grammys. It’s not easily pulled off, but you have to hand it to her for matching her dress to her hair.
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Feb 2012
Wowee. Blending old and new in effortless style, Katy Perry rocks up to Elton John's Oscars party in this old-school sequinned Blumarine gown, which she combined with a very current, statement electric blue bob. Quite simply, this is our favourite look on her, ever. Love!
PA Photos
March 2012
At the Echo Music Awards the following month, Katy puts her enviable curves to work in this mirrored Paco Rabanne dress, which she teams with bejewelled Louboutins and one funky blue ‘do – natch.

Rex Features
June 2012
Riding the current trend for all things Gatsby, Katy does a 180 on her usual style, opting for this oh-so fabulous, 20s-inspired get-up. Wearing a blush pink flapper dress, long pearls and an ornate headband, Katy Perry looks hawt!
PA Photos
June 2012
In a Xena Warrior Princess-meets-Wonder Woman ensemble, Perry is back to her quirky best at the MuchMusic Awards. About to launch her first 3D docu-movie about her hit Teenage Dream tour, it’s been a dizzying ascent to the top for this California Gurl – and long may it continue!
PA Photos
June 2012
Looking absolutely ravishing in a red velvet, 50s-style Dolce & Gabbana dress – and not to mention dripping in diamonds – Katy is the belle of the ball at the world premiere of her 3D documentary-cum-concert movie Katy Perry: Part Of Me.
PA Photos
July 2012
...While it’s a totally different, more directional look in Marchesa (with Union Jack-themed jewellery by Solange Azagury-Partridge, no less), for the London leg of the premiere tour.

Wenn
July 2012
After a few girly-fashion months, it was great to see K-Pezza back to her stage costume best and in the famed peppermint spinning-bra dress, no less. However, come July 2012 and after a slight incident on stage where her hair got caught in it, Katy’s insurers deemed the mechanical frock too risky to wear on tour and that was the end of that.
Rex Features
September 2012
In a precursor to her awesome, awesome, awesome 90s look the following summer, Katy rocked a cutesy floral dress, biker jacket and workman boots look for a pared-down approach to the red carpet.
Rex Features
September 2012
Whilst we are LOVING the dreamy print of this dress, something about the look just doesn’t sit right with us. We can’t exactly put our finger on what’s wrong here, it may have something to do with the lack of accessories and almost certainly has something to do with those shoes.
Rex Features
September 2012
This floor-length gown is a rare hybrid of perfect autumnal Goth with a touch of floral. We’re big fans of this and Katy nails the look right down to the very last detail.

Getty Images
October 2012
Oh haaai there, high-fashion popstar. Indeed, when the situation calls, Perry knows when to up the style ante and this figure-skimming tube dress is a gloriously 90s wardrobe triumph. However, we’re still not sold on those clodhoppers. Soz.
Rex Features
November 2012
We love it when the A-List champion alternative hues and styles to the classic LBD, and this Naeem Khan gown, complete with matching cape is, actually, pretty knock-out.
Rex Features
December 2012
We know we shouldn’t be so blasé about a stunning Marchesa creation and while there’s no debating that Katy looks absolutely show-stopping, we just kind of felt that the Teenage Dream hitmaker had done this look so many times before. Next!
Rex Features
January 2013
Atta girl! What better way to commemorate Obama’s inauguration than by wearing a frock based on your country’s flag? In other news, we were glad to see Katy had lost none of that quirky stage style either.

Flynet
May 2013
The John Mayer-era Katy has really shaken up the singer’s style, getting into her 90s-tastic stride, we couldn’t help but notice that Katy Perry’s actually a bit of a pro when it comes to midi-dresses and this little number is no exception.
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April 2013
Beginning the campaign trail for her second outing as Smurfette, Katy Perry kept the brief simple: blue, blue and more blue. Whilst some of her other looks from this time left little to be desired, this Monique Lhuillier lacey dress and headband, complete with silver Jimmy Choos and Miu Miu sunnies, was bang on the mark.
PA Photos
April 2013
WOW! Katy Perry came over all A Midsummer's Night Dream in a jade green Giambattista Valli gown at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (casual). There was much debate in the office at the time as to whether this was her best look, yet – bar none. Thoughts?
Wenn
May 2013
Getting the prints bang on, Katy hits another fashion homerun in, yup, a midi dress.

Getty Images
April 2013
Hands down our favourite Katy Perry look, ever. In head-to-toe Dolce & Gabbana at Coachella, Katy married her quirky style with high-fashion and it was awesome. The end.
Rex Features
Testament to her love for the Italian duo’s Sicilian collection, Katy was spotted a number of times in the summer of 2013 in it. And are these not amongst the greatest every earrings to be crafted? (Answer: Yes, yes they are.)
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May 2013
ERRM… Yeah. (We actually kind of love this. Bouquets and all.)
Rex Features
June 2013
What did we say about those midi dresses? Another winner here…

Getty Images
August 2013
Move over Angela Chase and say ta-ta to Cher Horowitz as there’s another 90s icon in town. Katy Perry looked totally brilliant in this claret velvet dress, chunky boots and exposed bra strap. But the piece de resistance was undoubtedly this baby…
Rex Features
August 2013
SHUT UP! It’s a Chanel leather backpack.
Rex Features
August 2013
Woah now, Katy. Kim Kardashian called; she wants her look back.
Capitol Records
October 2013
Stripping it back somewhat for the artwork for her new album, Prism, Katy goes back to nature by being, well, in it.

Capitol Records
October 2013
Another shot from the album artwork and we’re loving this less-is-more approach to her style for a change.
November 2013
Looking like a festive firework on the December cover of GLAMOUR, Katy's lacy dress and feather headdress is a festive fashion nod to her quirky style.
Rex
March 2014
Katy Perry opted for this directional yellow and black dress for a Louis Vuitton dinner in 2014, topping of the look with her new shorter crop and full-fat, brow-skimming fringe. It's been a weird and wonderful rise to the top, but she's without a doubt the regal matriarch of quirkdom. Arise, Queen Katy!
Rex Features
January 2015
Well, you can't miss this particular get-up. Gearing up for the Super Bowl XLIV, Perry makes a pretty stellar cheerleader in Arizona.
Gearing up for her performance at The Super Bowl, Katy Perry was sure to add some American football-inspired touches to her outfit; from the skirt and top combo to her limited edition crystal football earrings and necklace from her PRISM Collection for Claire's. You can own them too for a mere $34.50.

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September 2015
Katy Perry rocked the Moschino look at the brand's SS16 show in Florence, Italy. She's like a 60s queen...
Rex Features
June 2016
Working an elegant cocktail dress with a pop of pink for a Cindy Sherman exhibition opening in LA, in June 2016.
October 2016
To the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Show event, Katy wore a sheer white dress with pin dot detail. The high-neck and ruffles gibe the look a Victoriana vibe. We love.
PA Photos
November 2016
Katy Perry looked like a lady of elegance at the Capitol Records Gala wearing an off-shoulder top two-piece top and trouser combo. She kept the look fun with the addition of a big belt.

Getty Images
February 2017
Katy Perry arrived at the Marc Jacobs show wearing head-to-toe khaki, which she made feminine with the addition of an oversized pussy bow. Nice work, KP.
REX Features
February 2017
Katy Perry arrived at the Brit Awards 2017 in an ultra snazzy glittery dress and matching blazer by Versace. Red carpet = won.
PA
May 2017
Katy Perry arrived at the Met Gala wearing Maison Margiela, and she was definitely one of the most talked about looks of the night. She doesn't follow fashion rules and we love her for that.
Rex Features
May 2017
For a performance at the KIIS FM Wango Tango event, Katy wore a custom Adam Selman dress under strange plastic bondage gear and baby pink suspenders. It's definitely not a shy look.