Wanda Sykes Announces She's a Lesbian at Las Vegas Prop 8 Rally

Comedian Wanda Sykes says the passage of a same-sex marriage ban in California has led to her be more outspoken about being gay.

"You know, I don't really talk about my sexual orientation. I didn't feel like I had to. I was just living my life, not necessarily in the closet, but I was living my life. Everybody that knows me personally they know I'm gay. But that's the way people should be able to live their lives," she said.

Sykes, who is known for her feisty and blunt style, said the passage of California's Proposition 8 made her feel like she was "attacked."

"Now, I gotta get in their face," she said. "I'm proud to be a woman. I'm proud to be a black woman, and I'm proud to be gay."

Sykes' appearance at the Las Vegas rally surprised organizers. She was in town performing at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

When I heard that Wanda's gay, I was like, huh?! Which is kind of funny how it's surprising to find out some people are gay or lesbian. It's something we don't really think about. We pretty much assume someone is straight unless they fit into a LGBTQ stereotype. Banning same-sex marriages affects so many people that we know are gay or lesbian, and so many others that we just don't know their sexuality, like all the guys who dumped me after I put out - I'd like to think that they're gay.

AP