I don't want to look at other people my age in leather. Why would I put it on?

I find it too terrifying to go out in L.A.

I had to walk away from America, and say goodbye to the biggest part of my career, because I knew otherwise my demons would get the better of me.

I have got other interests than just making music. I would like to follow those interests through.

I have more love, success, and security than I could ever dream of.

I have to believe that somebody up there thinks I've still got some work to do.

I know I have a very self-destructive tendency since my mother died, I have got to be honest.

I left school at 17 and was a star by the time I was 18 - in certain parts of the world anyway.

I mean, I've done different things at different times that I shouldn't have done, once or twice, you know.

I spent years growing up being told what my sexuality was.

I think the media is a real demon.

I want to make a pop album - something more upbeat than my stuff was in the '90s.

I went through a long period where I was afraid of doing things I wanted to do, and you get your courage back, which is what's important.

I would advise any gay person that being out in the real sense can never happen too soon.

I write about my life.

I'm just not security-minded.

I'm not a novelty act from the '80s in most parts of the world.

I'm not anti-American. I've lived with Kenny, a Texan, for six years.

I'm the luckiest writer on earth.

I've achieved what every artist wants, which is that some of their work will outlive them.