Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn could swap the stage for the political arena after becoming frustrated with the lack of progress on equality issues such as same-sex marriage.

The 6ft 10in actor, DJ and entrepreneur from Lisburn has been nominated for MTV's Tearjerker award after his character Hodor's scene in the last series of HBO's hit fantasy drama.

Nairn, who launched his career as a drag artist called Revvlon at the Kremlin nightclub and recently DJ-ed for stars such as Ryan Reynolds at the Critics' Choice Awards in LA, branded Northern Ireland's failure to pass equal marriage rights for gay people "a disgrace".

"I really don't understand why we're the only little enclave of the country that can't do it," he told the Belfast Telegraph.

"I hope that we can come into line with the rest of Europe and the rest of the United Kingdom and Ireland.

"There's so much other horrible s*** happening in the world at the minute, I think it's the least of their worries. I think we need to get it sorted out as soon as possible.

"I don't see why people are so concerned at what other people do behind closed doors or in their lives," he added.

Nairn, who now lives with his mum Pat on the outskirts of Lurgan, says he is considering entering politics in the future as he feels Stormont's current political make-up doesn't represent the desire for equality in Northern Ireland.

"Of course I have had thoughts about going into politics. I certainly don't mean now, definitely not, but in the future who knows?" he said.

"It seems the DUP who are, or were, the predominant party, haven't exactly done my community any favours.

"I definitely would be prepared to make the change myself if it's going to help my community and help other people.

"I've thought about running for office for later in life, not for now. I definitely have something to say.

"I don't want anything wildly different to what we have now.

"It's just making sure that everyone's treated equally. Is that so progressive? I don't think it's progressive, I think it's human. And not just gay people - women's rights, immigrants, people of different ethnic backgrounds.

"I just don't see why people are treated differently or with a different set of rules. It's just wrong," he commented.

Nairn, whose mum works for the Rainbow Project, a support service for gay and bisexual men, says he finds it "very saddening" to hear about continuing cases of homophobia throughout the world and the opposition to same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.

"People are so lovely in this country. I love coming home and then when you hear something like that, and it's being decided for us by people who I feel are completely outdated in their views and are perhaps not making decisions for the right reasons, it's saddening," he added.

Nairn believes there should be a greater separation of Church and State in Northern Ireland and elsewhere.

"I saw what religion did to people when I grew up and I certainly didn't want any part of it. That turned me off it," he said.

"I don't see the benefit in giving yourself a belief system that allows you to judge other people.

"So I am a big advocate for completely separating Church and State - I don't think it has any business in political decisions. I think a lot of problems in this world would stop if people could stay out of other people's business."

Belfast Telegraph