Christian Star Knapp Is Gay

The Grammy-nominated 36 year old is preparing to return to the limelight after a seven year hiatus, during which she relocated to Australia and re-evaluated her faith, sexuality and career aspirations.

Knapp, who previously dated men, now has a special woman in her life and reveals she's ready to face the world as a lesbian.

She considers the term "coming out" as "very bizarre", but admits she's enjoying the extra attention from her female fans.

She tells Reuters, "I'm definitely getting a lot more friendly winks from the girls (at concerts) than I have in the past."

Knapp will release her first album since 2001's The Way I Am on 11 May (10).