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Hello

I grew up in Rochdale, Lancashire and moved to Bristol in 2012 where I found my identity, my voice, my struggles and my strength. I am a proud gay man and married to my incredible husband in 2019. I am passionate about breaking the stigma associated with mental health and the voices of the LGBTQ+ community being heard.

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My Mental Health Journey

My story starts in 2015 after a usual working day managing a successful restaurant. On my way home an overwhelming sense of sadness came over me which I wasn't able to understand. I had dealt with some hardships around this period like the death of a friend, the ending of a relationship and overall struggles to maintain close connections to people. After a long evening of constant thinking "I am not wanted" and "know one would miss me" I was pulled further into a dark place which left me feeling like there was no way out so the only route for me was to take my own life. My housemate at the time luckily found me and saved my life. I was then diagnosed with depression in 2015 and anxiety in 2016. Through the years, I have been on medication and fortunate enough to have cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) alongside other forms of therapy sessions that has helped me build up into a space in my head where I can overcome those dark days. I began to open up to people and share my story which in turn helped them open up to me. I still have those dark days and tough moments and I know the more I talk openly the more support I am able to give and receive.

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My LGBTQ+ story

The realisation of my sexuality was not a negative experience but the struggles of how I fit in with my family, friends and society in general is something I still deal with today. I am lucky enough to have the support of my family and friends but it is the attitudes of past colleagues and strangers that stop me from being my true self. This has lead me to not talk about about my relationship in public as well as not show affection either.

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There is still a stigma surrounding the LGBTQ+ community. I have been on the receiving end of comments and abuse in public with such things being said like "why isn't there a straight pride?" and "gays shouldn't have children". This makes me feel I am not an equal and that there is still further education to be had. 

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