"I knew that this was what I wanted to talk about on stage. There was no point being coy about it, or pretending that I wasn't gay. That was the substance of my whole act. If you took that away, there would be nothing left"

Julian Clary is expressing his determination to be open and truthful about his sexuality in his comedy act. He is stating that he was not going to be shy or embarrassed about it, but instead welcome it and make it the focus of his act. He is implying that his sexuality is an important part of his funny and that without it, there would be absolutely nothing left. This quote reflects his nerve and confidence in being open about his sexuality, and his desire to use it as a source of humour. It also speaks with the importance of being real to oneself and not permitting worry or shame to prevent one from expressing who they are. Julian Clary's quote is an effective pointer of the value of self-acceptance and the power of being open and truthful about one's identity.