Lesbian comedienne Wanda Sykes had "no intention" of publicly 'coming out' at a gay rights rally in 2008 and "shocked" herself by speaking openly about her sexuality in her motivational speech.
The funnywoman was among a group of protesters in Las Vegas rallying against the Proposition 8 legislation, which eliminated marriage for gay and lesbian couples in California.
Sykes took to the stage to address the crowd and during her speech, she revealed that she had secretly wed her female partner shortly before same-sex marriages were banned, telling the protesters, "Everybody who knows me personally, they know I'm gay. And that's the way people should be able to live our lives, really. We shouldn't have to be standing out here demanding something we automatically should have as citizens of this country."
And the star admits she didn't pre-plan the public announcement, telling U.S. talk show host Piers Morgan, "I had no intention of making that speech. I was just there as one of the crowd for support. I kinda shocked myself when I was in the middle of it.
"(I felt) liberated. The best thing is now - not that I was hiding before - but there's absolutely nothing to hide. I am what I am, this is it. Now there's nothing I can't say."
Sykes admits her parents are dealing with her revelations "much better" now than when she first confirmed her sexuality, adding, "I think time, and also my attitude (helped). It's more about communication. It's a big moment, telling your parents."
The 47 year old also spoke about her partner Alex, admitting, "Married life is great, I'm very happy."