Phillip Schofield has attended his first Pride event as a member of the LGBT+ community after coming out as gay on the This Morning sofa in February 2020. The Oldham-born presenter, 60, joined the London Pride celebrations with his colleague Alison Hammond, chat show host Lorraine Kelly and their friends from the ITV Loose Women panel.
Also at her first parade after coming out publicly as a gay woman was Dame Kelly Holmes, 52, who dazzled in a multi-coloured coat at the historic 50th anniversary of the UK's first parade in London. Over 600 LGBT+ groups joined the march, the first event to be held since the Covid-19 pandemic began, with 30,000 people registered for the event overall and more than a milion revellers turning out.
"Let’s do this… Dame Kelly cheered on her Instagram. "@prideinlondon here I come!" The British Olympic hero, who won two golds at the 2004 games in Athens, last month revealed she is gay and told how she lived a 'secret life' for 34 years.
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In an exclusive interview with The Mirror, she said: "There have been lots of dark times where I wished I could scream that I am gay – but I couldn’t." She has decided to come out during Pride Month, which celebrates LGBTQ+ communities.
The retired middle distance athlete, who was made a dame in 2005, revealed how she realised she was gay after kissing a fellow soldier when she was 17. She was forced into silence amid fears of being prosecuted, at a time when homosexuals were banned from the Armed Forces.
She has a partner and, while she doesn’t want to give details, she said: "It’s the first time I’ve had someone who I don’t introduce as a PA or friend."
TV favourite Phillip opened up his heart on This Morning alongside his pal and co-presenter Holly Willoughby after posting a statement on Instagram addressing his sexuality. An emotional Phil spoke of his love for his family, including his wife Stephanie Lowe and daughters Ruby and Molly, as he explained how supportive they had been.
Phillip said in his statement: "This is something that has caused many heart-breaking conversations at home. I have been married to Steph for nearly 27 years, and we have two beautiful grown-up daughters, Molly and Ruby.
"My family have held me so close: they have tried to cheer me up, to smother me with kindness and love, despite their own confusion. Yet still I can't sleep and there have been some very dark moments.
"My inner conflict contrasts with an outside world that has changed so much for the better. Today, quite rightly, being gay is reason to celebrate and be proud. Yes, I am feeling pain and confusion, but that comes only from the hurt that I am causing to my family.
"Steph has been incredible - I love her so very much. She is the kindest soul I have ever met. My girls have been astonishing in their love, hugs and encouraging words of comfort.
"Both mine and Steph's entire families have stunned me with their love, instant acceptance and support. Of course they are worried about Steph, but I know they will scoop us both up. My friends are the best, especially Holly, who has been so kind and wise - and who has hugged me as I sobbed on her shoulder.
"At ITV, I couldn't hope to work with more wonderful, supportive teams. Every day on This Morning, I sit in awe of those we meet who have been brave and open in confronting their truth - so now it's my turn to share mine."
The parade starting from Hyde Park Corner paid homage to the original 1972 march attended by 2,000 people. People wore rainbow patterns, face paint and glitter for the parade dubbed 'the biggest and most inclusive event in history.'
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