Graham Norton: ‘There’s a weird self-loathing in the gay community’

Graham Norton has discussed the criticism he gets for being camp, saying most of it comes from the gay community.

Speaking to Attitude, the BBC presenter said: “The only thing that makes me sad – and Alan Carr is sort of like this too – is that the most stick you get is from gay people.

“It’s always been the same, that there’s this sort of weird self-loathing in the gay community…

“But it’s heartbreaking, because you hear these people say ‘Oh he’s so camp and terrible,’ and you’re thinking, ‘Oh god, you are completely unaware that you’re camp too!

“There was a very sweet documentary once, and these little gay boys in Brighton were talking about how much they hated me, and it was heartbreaking because they were me.”

On Monday night, Norton said he was honoured for being an “icon” at the Attitude Awards 2014.

In its first extract published earlier this week, Norton admits he often drinks to excess, and has previously visited Alcoholics Anonymous, but that he “prefers life” with booze in it.

Graham Norton’s autobiography, The Life And Loves Of A He Devil, will be released on 23 October.

• Dec 01 2023

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