Mark: “I’m Gay And Very Proud Of Who I Am” – August 2005

 

He’s a heart-throb admired by millions of fans around the world… and today Westlife star Mark Feehily has taken the brave decision to reveal that he is gay. In an astonishingly frank and moving interview, the singer decided to tell the truth about his love life for the first time.

 

For years the Irish-born singer has avoided questions about his sexuality. But today he feels the time is right to come out in an exclusive Sun interview. Mark 25, says: ‘I want people to know the truth about my sexuality. I am gay and I’m very proud of who I am. I’m not asking for any sympathy, or to be a role model to anyone else.

 

‘I simply felt it was the right time for me to let people know the truth. ‘I’ve never tried to hide who I am from anyone, but I’m a very private person and in the past I haven’t felt the need to say anything about my sexuality. But I want people to know I’m very comfortable with who I am.

With Westlife Mark has had a staggering twelve No 1 singles, won two Brit Awards, and MTV Europe Award and had five multi-platinum albums. He is also a pin-up for teenage girls around the world who camp outside the band’s hotels hoping to catch a glimpse of their heroes.

While his bandmates, Kian Egan 25, Shane Filan 26, and 26 year old Nicky Bryne were all aware of Mark’s sexuality, it will perhaps come as a surprise to his army of fans. Mark explains ‘I’m not worried about how people react because I’m happy being who I am. My close friends and family – the people I love – have been incredibly supportive to me and that’s what really matters.

‘I think the culture we live in today is different and that people’s attitudes towards homosexuality have changed. I don’t think my life will change dramatically as a result of me doing this interview today. I’m still the same person I was the day before. I’m sure Westlife fans will be pleased that I’m happy. I don’t think it changes anything.

Mark, from a tight-knit family in Sligo, north west Ireland, is currently in a long-term relationship with singer Kevin McDaid. Kevin, 21 was in a boyband called V and the pair met a few months back.

Mark explains: ‘I’m a very private person and I don’t think I owe it to anyone to go into details about my relationship. But I would like to say that I’m happy, and that I’ve found someone who is a real companion. It does get lonely being on the road with the band sometimes and I’m very happy now I’m in a relationship with someone who makes me laugh.

‘All the lads in Westlife have settled down and are in relationships, so why can’t I be? I haven’t gone to great lengths to try and hide anything from anyone. But now that I’m doing this interview today, perhaps it will be a bit easier to get on with a normal life,. In a way I don’t see coming out in this interview as a big deal. I told my parents a few years ago and they were absolutely fantastic. They gave me a big hug and told me it didn’t matter – they totally accepted it and I know that they love me. Their only concern was that I might have been suffering trying to keep it a secret. Both my parents and two younger brothers were amazing.

 

‘We’re a very close family and that’s been a tremendous help to me. And the lads in the band are among my best friends in the world – they have been there for me whenever I’ve needed to talk anything through. They are pleased I am comfortable with my life.'

Westlife have sold an impressive 34million albums around the globe and are planning to release a new album in October. Mark is convinced his announcement will have no impact on the support the band enjoys from their incredible fan base.

 

He explains ‘What I’m really doing today isn’t really any different to what lots of other people have to go through in their lives. Everyday there are people worrying about how their families react when they tell them they are gay.

‘I’d like to tell everyone not to worry about that because in my experience everyone has been supportive of me. My home town is so small and close-knit that the people there are just proud of what we’ve achieved as a band. They still treat me and the lads as they always have.

The way I’ve always seen it is that when I was a little boy I wanted to be a singer. I didn’t want to be famous – I just wanted to sing.

 

‘And that’s the way I’ve always tried to live my life. I’m sure after this interview those who didn’t know the truth about my personal life will move on and see that’s I’m normal like them’

 

Mark has received no fee for this interview.

 

Credit/Source: www.thesun.co.uk