Kele 'didn't want to be a spokesperson'

Kele Okereke has admitted that he was reluctant to discuss his sexuality when he was still an active member of Bloc Party.

The singer, who released debut solo single 'Tenderoni' this week, confirmed that he is gay to Butt magazine in March 2010.

Okereke told The Guardian: "The band was a band, it wasn't just me. I didn't want to talk about it and I don't think they wanted it to be an issue. In fact I know they didn't, because one of them told me once. I didn't want to be seen as a spokesperson for something."

Asked what changed since then, he replied: "You learn, don't you? I've learned that it's important not to run away from things, because it makes a difference to people.

"I can't tell you how many times I've been stopped by young gay kids saying how important it is that a man like me exists in the mainstream."

He added of the perception of homosexuality: "It seems to me that the dominant mode of gay culture is taking drugs and sleeping around. It's just harmful.

"I think that sort of life doesn't really make anyone happy. It didn't make me happy, even when I was younger. I know my views might seem quite Victorian but I think there's something to be said for discipline."