(CNN) When George Michael came out as a gay man in an exclusive interview with CNN in April 1998, public attitudes about homosexuality were far different from how they are today. Same-sex marriage was illegal, violence against gays or lesbians was not classified as a hate crime, and HIV and AIDS still carried a heavy stigma. In that climate nearly 20 years ago, the British music superstar appeared on CNN and went public with his sexual orientation. Michael, then 34, told CNN's Jim Moret that he did not have his first gay relationship until he was 27 and that he had decided to keep his sexuality private because of the way he was publicly scrutinized earlier in his career.Michael: "I spent the first half of my career being accused of being gay when I hadn't had anything like a gay relationship"British singer, who died Sunday, said his music was always truthful and open
For the remainder of his career, Michael supported _ research and education, women's and children's organizations and groups working to end world famine.