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Katie Melua says the lines of her sexuality “are not always clear”

We’ve speculated about singer Katie Melua’s sexuality on AfterEllen.com before, but she only keeps giving us reasons to hope we’re right that she’s anything but straight. The talented UK songstress has just released her new album, The House, which she discussed with The Telegraph, also touching on her sexuality, among other things.

Said Melua:

First of all, I can tell you that I’m single, which is not lovely, but it is what it is. I really don’t think whether you are gay or not is the whole identity of a person. It’s just one side; it doesn’t have to be the thing that defines you.

We live in the 21st century: questions of sexuality are not outdated, but I don’t think the lines are very clear and they are not always clear to me. I really want the songs to speak for themselves and not to be associated with a story about me.

Is this Melua saying she’s bisexual? Maybe, but it seems she falls into the category of sexually fluid, more than anything. The rumors about her being into women began when she had a close friendship with photographer Lara Bloom, which prompted Katie to tell the interviewer she was single.

This has been Katie’s most definitive comment on her sexuality so far, as she’s always been very private and coy about her love life. Despite musicians like Jennifer Knapp and Chely Wright coming out in statements and subsequent PR campaigns, there are those who prefer to make it a non-issue, like Brandi Carlile, Alison Goldfrapp and La Roux‘s Elly Jackson. This can make it difficult for gay women, sometimes, to be sure these public figures are people we can look to for that likeness. Commonality with well-known people often comforts us, inspires us and keeps up cheering them on in their successful careers. But, nonetheless, there is no “right” way to come out or speak on or define your sexuality, so Katie Melua is just not interested in making her sex life front page news.

Does this hurt our community? No – it’s not that she’s ashamed of or denying her sexuality as some public figures are known to do. Should we expect more from her? Not necessarily – if she discusses her love or relationships with women, we should be proud of her for being a successful, beautiful, talented woman that we can identify with in some way.

We are always in need of more like Katie, Brandi, Jennifer, Chely and others who have given their faces to show the many sides of being queer. We’re not one in the same – we’re into different music, fashion, religions, places to live – but the one thing that makes us all alike is our relationships with women.

So I think we may officially issue you your card, Katie, whether you are interested in it or not.

Huge props to SandGirl for the tip!

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