Why it takes courage to 'come out' (From Western Telegraph)

Why it takes courage to 'come out'

1:41pm Tuesday 3rd August 2010

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The X Factor’s Joe McElderry "came out" as gay last weekend after gossip on the social networking website Twitter. While I personally wasn’t at all surprised, Joe deserves to be applauded, because even these days, coming out takes a lot of courage.

In theory gay people aren't supposed to suffer from any prejudice in this country but, unfortunately, it may still happen.

This has been on my mind in recent days, as a close friend of mine is gay, and I’m the only person who knows. I’ve known him for two years and he told me recently, but it wasn’t until the Joe story broke that he told me I’m the only one who is aware of his sexuality.

When I found out, I compared us to Will and Grace, but my friend was not impressed at this comparison, because he says he looks and acts nothing like the character in the US sitcom. Strangely, he didn’t say I was nothing like Grace either, but I’ll let that one slide.

Personally, I feel incredibly honoured that my friend has chosen to confide in me. He says that he doesn’t see it as a big issue, and neither to do I. He’s just him, and I love him to pieces. If anything, it’s brought us even closer, and I’d hate to think of anyone judging him.

He also says he doesn’t think anyone will be surprised. If and when he does tell his parents and other family and friends, I’ll be there to support him, hold his hand, and party afterwards, just like we always do when we’re together.