London, Europe Brief News-Kelly Holmes came out of the closet after 34 years of living a secret life. The Olympic runner, 52, said she ‘finally feels free’ after living a secret existence. The athlete said she was aware of rumors about her sexuality but is delighted to come out ‘on her terms. Let’s uncover Kelly’s journey as she revealed her sexuality to the world.
Kelly Holmes Claims to be Gay
She told the Mirror, ‘There have been dark moments when I wanted I could shout I’m homosexual.’ I have to do this for myself. My call. I’m apprehensive. Excited to burst! I’m often relieved. Once this gets out, I’ll be fearless.’ Dame Kelly said she had a relationship but wouldn’t disclose specifics, saying it’s the first time she hasn’t introduced someone as a ‘friend or PA.’
Her family and friends knew she was homosexual for years, but she worried about retroactive laws in the Forces.
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Kelly’s Life Journey
LGBT troops were forbidden until 2000. During her ten years of duty, Kelly dated other women.
Kelly came out during Pride month and said she realized she was homosexual when she kissed a female soldier aged 17.
Kelly wrote to her close stepdad after the encounter to explain what transpired. Kelly was ‘confused and afraid’ before coming out to her family in 1997. She added no insult to them, but the relationships have been a little part of my life. They haven’t shared my worry for 34 years.’
Dame Kelly claimed she dated one lady between 27 and 32 but ended the relationship in 2002 to concentrate on the Athens Olympics.
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Struggles of Coming Out
Even winning 800 and 1,500 meters in Athens was spoiled by her anxieties of being outed.
The TV celebrity claimed she masked her actual identity for years and self-harmed as she fought to cope.
Kelly said she worried about being outed as her popularity grew after winning 800 and 1,500 meters in Athens. Before the 2003 World Championship finals, Kelly stated she had ‘no control over herself and self-harmed.
Kelly feared being dismissed from the Olympic squad if she asked for help. Kelly’s 2018 appointment as Honorary Colonel of the Royal Armoured Corps Training Regiment was another obstacle to her coming out.
The Takeaway
After a breakdown in 2020, she called an LGBTQ+ activist to see whether she may still face Army penalties. Kelly Holmes said she could ‘breathe again’ after being guaranteed she wouldn’t be in trouble with the Forces.
Kelly’s documentary will include interviews with LGBTQ+ troops. She was ‘gobsmacked’ by how much the Army had evolved while she served. She stated several young individuals in the Forces didn’t know about the restriction.
