Katy Perry no lesbian

Katy Perry says her song 'I Kissed a Girl' isn't about lesbianism.

The 23-year-old singer - who has come under fire in the US from both conservative and gay groups for her song 'I Kissed a Girl' - insists the track is about growing up, not being gay.

She said: "I'm talking about the way girls are really touchy-feely and sisterly. Especially when we're growing up. We're holding hands, we're having sleepovers, we're doing choreographed dance moves in our pyjamas, we're painting each other's nails and practising kissing on our arms - or maybe practising kissing on one another.

"I was scared of boys! My first kiss was with a boy, and he almost swallowed me alive. I wish I had kissed that girl I had the girl-crush on when I was growing up. I would have been much more prepared for my dating life."

Katy also claims she wants to dispel the idea that all female musicians promote a clean-living image.

She added: "What happened to being rock'n'roll? I play music, I'm not running for President. If only the world would stop walking on eggshells and get a sense of humour. Everyone has their shield up and they're just like, 'Offend me! I'm ready to be offended!' "