Naomi Campbell: I’d be nothing without gay men

British supermodel turned actress Naomi Campbell has opened up about the impact the gay community has had on her life and career.

In an interview for LGBT media advocacy group GLAAD’s video series, All Access, Campbell spoke about her role in the new television drama series, Empire.

She was also asked about her appearance as a presenter at the GLAAD Media Awards last year and why it’s important for her to support the LGBT community.

Campbell, 44, repeated what she said on the red carpet at the time: “Why shouldn’t I be here?”

She added: “If it wasn’t for gay men I wouldn’t exist. Hair, make-up, designer, photographer, stylist, manicure, hair-dresser, I mean, I just wouldn’t exist. So, I owe my life to gay men. And it’s just what I’ve grown up with. It’s my family.”

Campbell also commented that the gay storyline in the drama series was very important because many families still don’t accept gay and lesbian people. She expressed her hope that it would help “bring a lot of people out.”

Centred on a hip hop music and entertainment family company, Empire was co-created by openly gay producer and director Lee Daniels (Precious, The Butler) and stars Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson.