Wanda Sykes: ‘I’m Proud To Be Gay’

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LGBT,Politics,T.R. Knight,Comedians,Celebrities
 
 
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    Wanda Sykes performs in New York
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    Wanda Sykes arrives at Elle’s 14th Annual Women in Hollywood party in LA
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    Wanda Sykes did a comedy special for HBO
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    Wanda Sykes wins for Outstanding Special Comedy
 
 

FIRST PUBLISHED: November 16, 2008 1:18 PM EST
LAST UPDATED: November 16, 2008 2:22 PM EST

LAS VEGAS, Nev. --

Wanda Sykes opened up about her sexuality in Las Vegas on Saturday — thanks to the passing of Prop. 8.

“You know, I don’t really talk about my sexual orientation,” she told a crowd rallying for the nationwide protest against the California ballot initiative, according to The Associated Press. “I didn’t feel like I had to [before]. I was just living my life, not necessarily in the closet, but I was living my life.”

“Everybody that knows me personally, they know I’m gay,” she added. “But that’s the way people should be able to live their lives.”

But the November 4 passing of Prop. 8, which bans same-sex marriages in the state, made her feel “attacked” — and pushed her into action.

“Now, I gotta get in their face,” she reportedly said. “I’m proud to be a woman. I’m proud to be a black woman, and I’m proud to be gay.”

Wanda, who was in Sin City to perform at Planet Hollywood, was a surprise addition at the rally. As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, celebs appeared at related demonstrations throughout the country on Saturday, with T.R. Knight, Ricki Lake and more making appearances in LA.

Copyright 2009 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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