Demi Lovato said that playing a lesbian love interest for Glee's Naya Rivera is a step in the right direction for gay acceptance.

The singer signed up to appear in the latest series of the popular US TV show and she kissed Rivera on her first episode.

Speaking to Latina magazine, the X Factor USA judge said that people should be focusing less on the sexual interaction and more on the lesson that is coming out from the love interest.

She said: "Yes, we kissed in the first episode, but I want people to pay less attention to the fact that I’m kissing a girl. Focus on the fact that having a young, multicultural lesbian couple on prime time is a huge step in our generation. It’s showing people that it’s okay to be who you are. Don’t be ashamed of it."

Talking meanwhile about her recent birthday in relation to her recovery from personal troubles a few years ago, Lovato added:

"I noticed that there’s this perception, on turning 21, that you have to go out and get drunk. It’s different for me because I’m in recovery. I also want to set an example for others. You don’t have to booze it up - you can do something else."