Words: Steve Brown

Scottish Secretary of State David Mundell has said coming out was “one of the most difficult things” he has ever done.

The Cabinet minister – who has three adult children – came out in 2016 after posting onto his personal website that it was time to “acknowledge in public as well as in private, who I am.”

Now, Mundell – who is believed to be the first openly gay Conservative Cabinet member – said everyone should be able to be who they are “without fear of judgement or discrimination”.

He said: “Coming out was one of the most difficult things I have done, but also one of the most important. I was overwhelmed by the support I received from friends, family and colleagues.

“Everyone should feel able to live their lives as they wish, in safety and confidence, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

“We have come a huge way in better rights for our LGBT communities, and LGBT History Month is a valuable reminder of those hard-won achievements.”