When his contract ended, he made a career of public speaking, writing books and press columns, and worked as a weekly columnist for "Elsevier." He gradually involved himself in politics through regularly appearing on televised debate shows and became a familiar public figure. Fortuyn was openly gay, and said in a 2002 interview that he was Catholic. He was also a republican." Question: U beschouwt zichzelf nog wel als katholiek? Answer: Ja, daar ontkom je niet aan. [..] Question: Toch noemt u zich ondanks uw homoseksualiteit nog steeds katholiek. Answer: Ik bén katholiek! Ik ben nota bene gedoopt! Ik noem me niet zo, ik ben het!" ("Question: Do you still consider yourself a Catholic? Answer: Yes, you can't escape from that. [..] Question: But in spite of your homosexuality you still call yourself a Catholic. Answer: I "am" a Catholic. I have, after all, been baptised! I don't call myself one, I am one!")</ref>