Not just to be yourself, live your truth but to change the world meaning others behind you can do the same. Coming out is such a hard step to take, although many think it's not important or shouldn't be necessary it is. Speaking to coincide with the Pride month which celebrates and raises awareness about LGBTQ+ communities in June, Dame Kelly shared that she realised she was gay at the age of 17 after kissing a fellow female soldier, and that her family and friends have known since 1997. The moment this comes out, I'm essentially getting rid of that fear,' she said. I feel like I'm going to explode with excitement,' Holmes told the 'Sunday Mirror' newspaper. Until 2000, it was illegal for gay, lesbian and bisexual people to serve in the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force (RAF), but the law has since been changed.
The 52-year-old two-time gold medallist athlete also revealed how she struggled with her mental health as she had to keep several same-sex relationships she had during her time in the Women's Royal Army Corps secret, for fear of being court marshalled. London: One of Britain's most well-known Olympic champions, Dame Kelly Holmes, on Sunday said that she was relieved to come out as gay after having hidden her sexuality for years.
