“But then in the middle of it all, in a twist of events, I found my gift,” said Perry. “And my gift introduced me to people outside my bubble, and my bubble started to burst.

“These people were nothing like I’d been taught to fear. They were the most free, strong, kind and inclusive people I had ever met. Oh my goddess, what a revelation – and not the last chapter of the Bible.

“Suffice to say, it’s been a long road for me and I’m sure a long road for many of you out there. I know it doesn’t always feel safe to live out who you are, but here’s the thing, though: I would not have chosen a different road.”

She finished powerfully by reminding the audience: “You don’t get to choose your family, but you can choose your tribe.”

Katy Perry told to “pray the gay away” after experimenting with her sexuality