A Conversation with Rufus Wainwright (continued)

PM: I read the [Anthony] DeCurtis article in the New York Times recently. [Our thanks to Bill DeMain for forwarding it to us.] That was a remarkable degree of frankness on your part, I thought.

RW: Yeah, I'm a terrible liar. [laughter] Believe me, it's not--I just cannot lie.

PM: Well, I think it's a wonderful way to live. It’s not a very easy way, but...

RW: No, it's not. I figure if I can help someone, I might as well, rather than bottle it up.

PM: How is sobriety treating you, is that still ongoing?

RW: Well, I don't really mention that, you know.

PM: Sure, we needn't belabor that point. But is there anything you'd like to say to any readers who might at this reading be experiencing a substance abuse problem?

RW: I think that the main thing is that rehab, or facing your own substance issues, is a privilege and an opportunity, and that it shouldn't be regarded at all with disdain by anyone involved. If you have a substance problem and you have the opportunity to go, don't hesitate to take advantage of it. Because the drug situation in this country is so vast and horrific, and a lot of people don't even have the opportunity. It's nothing to be ashamed of.

PM: I agree. Are you what you'd call a spiritual person?

RW: Well, I'm a hopeful person. And yeah, I'd say I'm pretty spiritual.

PM: Any special orientation in that regard?

RW: None at all.  continue

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