Ricky Martin: Men awaken my animal side

The 38-year-old pop star confirmed he is gay on his blog earlier this year. He is now promoting his autobiography Me, in which he opens up about his personal life. The star is open about his feelings for men, and explains how deeply they differ from the way he views women.

“Ever since I can remember I have felt a strong attraction to men, and though I can say I have also felt a strong attraction to women, it is a man who awakens my most instinctual, animal self,” he writes.

The star also explains there are two distinct sides to his personality. However, unlike some singers who become another character on stage, Ricky says his alter ego rears his head when he is at home.

“In private, I am KiKi, a man who each day confronts the challenges of life, just like everybody else,” he explains.

Ricky – who is father to two-year-old twin boys Matteo and Valentino, born by surrogate – recently discussed coming out with American talk show host Oprah Winfrey. He admitted posting about his sexuality on his blog affected him greatly, so much so he was overcome with emotion when his revelation became public knowledge.

“When I realised, OK, I just pressed send, whoo... And then I was alone,” he said. “I was in my studio alone for a minute. My assistant walked in and I just started crying like a little baby. I started crying. And he [had to] hold me. He told me, please, he would grab me in the arms – in my arms. He goes, ‘Let it go. Let it go. Finally you're free.’”