by Rex Wockner
Australian pop-music star Anthony Callea, 24, came out in newspaper interviews and on his Web site March 27.
Callea's No. 1 hit "The Prayer" is the biggest-selling single in Australian chart history.
"Yes, I am gay," Callea wrote on his Web site. "But I want it clear that I am proud, happy, comfortable and confident in who I am. And I have no issue with my sexuality.
"Things now feel right for me to share this part of my life. I am content. I have been in a long-term relationship with my partner, Paul, who has been by my side for the past two and a half years. Together we have the love and support of our family, friends and peers."
In a 2004 interview, Callea had denied being gay.
"I know some people may feel deceived or betrayed," he said. "I hope you can find it within to understand that 'coming out' can be a very troubling, confusing, and emotional time. … For some, 'coming out' isn't a big issue. For me it was. … I hated myself. … I thought there was something wrong with me and I couldn't escape it or fix it. … I lied, and for that, I'm sorry."
"I have no issue with my sexuality now but it's taken time to become confident with who I am and happy with who I am," Callea told local media. "I'm looking forward to living a life with no holds barred and not worrying about having to say the right thing."
