Mark Talks Openly Of His Joy At Coming Out – August 2005

Westlife star Mark Feehily yesterday revealed his joy after going public on his sexuality

The pop pin-up, who has enjoyed a record breaking 12 number one hits with Westlife, said: "I've never been happier than I am this weekend."

As Mark broke the news that he's gay, the 25-year old Sligo man looked like a guy who didn't have a care in the world. He was on top form as he hung out in London with his boyfriend Kevin McDaid (21). Mark and McDaid, who is a member of British boyband V, have been an item since January after meeting in Dublins celebrity haunt Lillies Bordello following the Childline concert in The Point.

Oblivious

Feehily was in the UK on friday with his Westlife cohorts Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Nicky Byrne when the news broke.

He seemed oblivious to the fuss his revelation had caused in the media. It was business as usual for Feehily as he worked on a photo shoot with this Westlife pals for their next album, which is due out in a couple of months.
But behind this week's public statement of his sexuality there have been some dark moments for the pop singer.

Like most young gay people, Mark has battled through the personal turmoil of coming to terms with the fact that he's gay. He has had to face the difficult task of informing his parents, family and friends of his sexual persuasion.
As a pop star, Mark has also had the extra burden of knowing that his private life would one day be splashed across the media.

Regarded as one of the nicest guys in the entertainment world today, Mark has shown through true courage by going public in a dignified manner this week.

 

As he reflected on his revelation, Mark said: "To be honest, I've been blessed with the people I have in my life, my family and friends. They have been incredibly supportive. I accepted who I am a long time ago. And I'm lucky, that I have the most amazing loving parents. There were fantastic when I told them a few years ago."

"My mother and father are truly wonderful people. I feel so lucky to have such love and support."

"From the moment I told them I got love and total acceptance from my parents. They gave me a big hug and told me that it didn't matter."

Pressure

"Their only concern was that I might be living under enormous pressure trying to keep my private life private. Like all parents, they worry about their children."

"But having my family's acceptance and love, as well as my friends, obviously meant everything to me. Thats all that really matters to me."

Although he has kept his sexuality under wraps until this week, Mark insists that he has tried to lead a normal life and has been open and honest with the people around him.

"Even though my work involves a lot of public stuff, publicity and interviews, I'm a very private person by nature", Mark says.

"I don't want to open up and discuss private stuff. Some people in the business haven no problem letting the whole world see everything in their lives and that's fine for them."

"Personally, I like to keep my personal life and family life to myself. I realise that because I'm in the public eye there's going to be a lot of interest in my new realationship."

"All I'll say is that I'm very happy that I'm in a relationship with a good person. Kevin is great fun and great company. My happiness is complete now.'

And Mark added that he's thrilled with the support he has received from Westlife fans. "My record company tells me that all the e-mails from fans have been totally supportive and I really appreciate that", he said.

 

Credit/Source: Sunday World