Sometimes it is said people can have two sides and perhaps one reveals more about them than the other that they did not fully understand at the start.
On tuesday it was announced that Paul O' Grady, the Birkenhead, Cheshire born entertainer, presenter and comedian died aged 67 overnight suddenly.
For many of us though it wasn't Paul we first met but a fabulous creation called Lily Savage who originated from the London drag clubs who made her entrance on our televisions as a young woman from Merseyside area who liked popular fashion and had the most outrageously funny put downs that while a "drag act" was quite believable as a straight ahead character saying things as she saw them.
Paul's creation clearly took its inspiration - and it was inspired - from the feisty, caring young women of that area an area he knew well, able to shock but showing great judgement about how far to go so paul's act respected the women he loved and within the realms of drag expanded the range of expression you could have.
That the nation including a lot of fairly traditional people embraced and loved Lily as she moved to shows like Blankety-Blank and Blind Date, helping to spread greater understanding of drag and LGBTQIA issues in general speaks volumes for what Paul was able to do.
Create a drag act we all could relate to as that person.
Paul knew when Lily had achieved all she could and although there had been calls to revive her, Paul had the sense to decline that but to use that fame as a gay man to present shows as himself most notably For The Love Of Dogs, that raised awareness of the number of dogs in homes that needed rehomeing and looking at social issues which as a trained former social worker in London he was well placed to do.
In doing these shows, Paul revealed his empathy and love for people and especially animals, again helping to break the idea that sexuality was the only thing gay people talked about where all of us are many things and being a great human being is one he most certainly was.
He trailblazed for gay people to be accepted as they are - full people with many loves and interests - without favour from our front room becoming people we loved and respected as great people.
Rest in peace, Paul.
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