Television
SHE'S here, she's queer, get used to it.
Veteran Aussie funny lady Magda Szubanski finally confirmed one of showbiz's worst kept secrets today, confirming she is a lesbian while throwing her support behind gay marriage.
Appearing on The Project tonight - and with friends and family looking on from the studio audience - the 50-year-old comedienne had an emotional 'coming out', stating that she 'absolutely identifies as gay'.
"Let me just define my terms here - I identify as gay myself," Szubanski said, adding; "Now when I say that, what that means is I am absolutely not straight.
"I wouldn't define myself as bisexual either. I would say I am gay, gay, gay, gay, gay ... a bit not gay, gay gay gay gay.
"(But) essentially I absolutely identify as gay."
Szubanski's declaration - timed to coincide with Valentine's Day - follows a statement she released on Monday which hinted at her sexuality while imploring the Federal Government to recognise gay marriage.
The Babe star last night also addressed the long-standing rumours about her sexuality within the entertainment industry, acknowledging that she had been considering going public for some time.
Currently single, Szubanski says she has identified as a lesbian 'for decades' and has been 'out' within her large circle of friends, family and work colleagues.
"Obviously I have been thinking about this for a very long time and I suppose some people might wonder why I haven't done it sooner," she said.
"I am an incredibly open person and for decades my family have known my friends have known ... all my colleagues.
"I'm sure all of you know. It's not like I was running around hiding it.
"There's a difference between living your life and living it absolutely publicly and that thing of 20 million people knowing your business is stressful."
