RTÉ star comes out of the closet

RTÉ star Oliver Callan has come out as gay on tele-vision after being accused of being homophobic.

The 30-year-old impressionist, who has recently been embroiled in controversy over his bust-up with Kerry footballer Paul Galvin, announced in public for the first time on RTÉ’s Saturday Night Show that he was gay.

All Star footballer Galvin recently complained he was “excruciatingly embarrassed” when Callan did an impression of the fashionista footballer that insinuated he was in the closet. The comedian has also been hit by criticism for his camp send-ups of Senator David Norris.

But the Nob Nation star said he felt compelled to come out in public about his sexuality after accusations of prejudice against gay people.

“I’m bemused by this,” he said. “Let’s get the record straight. I’m not a homophobe, because I’m gay. Big deal.

“You’re gay, just get on with it. It was obviously something you have to acknowledge publicly to help the whole process along. I suppose I have been out for years with my best friend. It’s something I didn’t feel I had to make a big issue of it and announce it, but there is unnecessary stuff I felt I had to get rid of and put to bed.”

Contrary to dishing out insults to the gay community, the comedian revealed on the show that he had been on the receiving end of homophobic taunts in the past.

“I have been called everything from queer to faggot, pillow-biter. The thing I did was just laugh at them.

“It’s the best thing to confront the bully with. You just embarrass them and laugh at them. It’s the way to diffuse the situation.”

Callan said he attempts to use humour to try and defuse prejudice against gay people in society.

“I kind of try to have a laugh about it to get rid of the intolerance if I can. I try to normalise it a little bit.

“You can’t take yourself too seriously, you have to have a laugh. If that is some part towards getting to equality, if it’s part of the journey, then brilliant. If you can’t have a laugh at yourself, what is the point of anything?”

In a frank interview with host Brendan O’Connor, the guest said he doesn’t understand why anyone would be surprised to find out he is gay.

“Judges do it, actors do it, farmers do it and teachers do it. It’s kind of funny. I’m not going around singing I’m gay and I’m proud. I’m gay and I don’t really give a shit, to be honest. A lot of people generally say: ‘You’re gay ? Are you sure? You look like Ricky Gervais?

“What am I supposed to do? Am I supposed to run down Georges Street in high heels and a dress?

“I’m gay and I don’t really care. There is no need to make a big song and dance about it.”