Scottish Secretary David Mundell announces he's gay
Coming out'' as gay still feels harder in Britain than standing for election or being interviewed on live television, Scottish Secretary David Mundell said as he revealed his sexuality.
Mr Mundell, who becomes the first openly-gay Tory cabinet minister, said resolving to go public this year was one of the most important decisions of my life''. In a statement he said he could notfully rationalise'' why it was such a struggle for him - and many others - but had come to understand the only way to be truly happy on a personal level is to acknowledge in public as well as in private, who I am''.
I so admire the many people, young and old, who are doing this every day, uncertain of the reaction. I have been very fortunate and couldn't have had more love and support from my family and friends,'' he wrote on his website.
However, making this public is something I have had to do myself. I don't know what the wider reaction will be, but I know it's the right thing for me to do.
Other than the intensely personal and positive difference it makes to me, and the way I can live my life, my hope is that my coming out doesn't change anything else about how I go about my work or how people treat me.
Gender and sexuality should make no difference whether you are a cabinet minister or in any other walk of life and I hope that I can, in my own way, reinforce that message.''