Describing the moment, Dame Kelly said it felt “more natural” and she “felt comfortable”. It was after she joined the Women’s Royal Army Corps in 1988 when a fellow soldier kissed her that things changed. She added that school sex education at the time also “was nothing to do with being gay”. She added said that while growing up, the “stigma of homosexuality” due to the Aids epidemic made it harder to reveal the truth.
The retired athlete said fame and life in the public eye also made it harder for her to come out. She added: “It’s the first time I’ve had someone who I don’t introduce as a PA or friend.” Dame Kelly admits to secret relationships with women while in the army (PA)ĭame Kelly said her family and close friends have known about her sexuality for years but she was “convinced throughout my whole life that if I admitted to being gay in the Army I’d still be in trouble”.ĭame Kelly said has been in a relationship for a while but plans to keep details of her partner private.
