Clay Aiken’s ‘Gay Rights’ speech in his hometown

American pop singer and “American Idol” runner-up Clay Aiken – whose albums include “Measure of a Man,” “A Thousand Different Ways” and “On My Way Here,” decided to give a gay rights speech in his hometown very recently.

According to digitalspy.co.uk, Aiken spoke at the Human Rights Campaign event in North Carolina, where he insisted that the organization fights for equality for everyone. “We have a great deal more work to do. Our time is now, and it’s about damn time,” Clay said.

Whilst making his speech, he also spoke about his decision to come out as gay in 2008. “What the hell took me so long?” “I was waiting like so many folks are waiting…for change,” he said. He then said he realized that the time for waiting had passed.

Clay began his rise to fame in 2003, when he appeared as a contestant on the second season of “American Idol.” After having recorded several albums, he then made his Broadway debut in 2008, playing the role of Sir Robin in Monty Python’s “Spamalot.”