A Jersey equality campaigner says TV presenter Phillip Schofield opening up about being gay is "extremely helpful" to others.
Vic Tanner Davy, from diversity charity Liberate
Vic Tanner Davy from Liberate says Phillip Schofield's announcement will help and inspire others. Credit: ITV Channel TV Coming out can be an anxious time, however by the time you reach the decision to come out, the alternative of living a half-life, where you are hiding who you are, facing long-term unhappiness, bouts of depression and other mental health illness, is no longer an option.
Vic Tanner Davy, Liberate
This Morning Phillip Schofield made the announcement on social media earlier
He reflected on his 27-year marriage to his wife Steph, saying this decision had "caused many heartbreaking conversations at home".
Phillip Schofield spoke openly on This Morning earlier with co-star and friend, Holly Willoughby. Credit: Isabel Infantes/PA Wire/PA Images From Phillip Schofield’s statement it sounds like he is getting positive support from all those around him including his employer, ITV.
Not everyone has this experience, but as more people feel able to share that they are not heterosexual and, therefore, more people know someone close to them, who is part of the LGBT+ community, the stigma is reducing.
Vic Tanner Davy, Liberate The equality campaigner also added that having someone in the media speak so openly will inspire and help others talk about their sexuality.
Phillip Schofield with his wife, Stephanie, at the 2014 National Television Awards. Credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire/PA Images Having someone in the media, who can speak openly about their experience, is always extremely helpful to others going through a similar situation. Members of the LGBT+ community can often share who their personal role model or hero was that made coming out for them a little easier.
We hope that Phillip’s announcement is treated with the kindness that he, and everyone who comes out, deserves.
Vic Tanner Davy, Liberate VIDEO
