Humankind seems to have an enormous capacity for savagery, for brutality, for lack of empathy, for lack of compassion.

At times, I've been so absolutely terrified of what I was about to do, whether it was public speaking or performance. Whatever it was, sometimes it had me really, really shaking in my shoes, and I decided that I was going to do it no matter what. And, of course, the critic is there, and afterwards, there's this, "Was it good enough? Was it really all I wanted to say?"

Music is an extraordinary vehicle for expressing emotion - very powerful emotions. That's what draws millions of people towards it. And, um, I found myself always going for these darker places and - people identify with that.

In a way, it's all down to perception, isn't it? And everyone has their own take on everything.

Women empowering other women.They get the psycho-social support. They become part of a community.

I would say that although my music may be or may have been part of the cultural background fabric of the gay community, I consider myself an outsider who belongs everywhere and nowhere... Being a human being is what truly counts. That's where you'll find me.

I want people to understand me as a person with views, not just performing songs.