Jake Shears 'proud to be gay role model'

Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears has stated that he is "proud" of being a role model for gay fans.

The 'Fire With Fire' singer told BANG Showbiz that he empathises with teenagers who are struggling to come to terms with their sexuality and often draws on his own experiences to help them.

"I'm proud to be that. I know what it's like to be a teenager, and what it's like to come out, and the difficulties of it all. And how it feels to be in school and be bullied," he said.

"If I'm the go-to for new gays, and if I can be someone that gay teenagers can look at as someone who's happy and who has made a good life for himself, then that's great. I had people like that for me when I was growing up, and it was very important."

He added: "My advice would be to just stick to who you are. There are sacrifices you have to make, there are crosses that you have to bear. You're always going to be portrayed in a certain way, you're always going to be pigeonholed.

"That's the price that you're going to pay. But it's a price that's worth it. It's a responsibility. So that would be my advice - remain exactly who you are."

Shears recently followed fellow gay icons Madonna, Ellen DeGeneres and Adam Lambert by decrying the recent spate of homosexual teen suicides in America.

"When I read about suicides and gay teenagers it's so tragic," he said. "I don't think teenagers realise that it actually does get better. The minute you're done with high school your life gets better."