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I Wouldn't Be Double Olympic Champion If They'd Found Out I Was Gay: Dame Kelly Holmes on having to hide her sexuality in the army & the spotlight
Rich Clarke speaks with Dame Kelly Holmes, double Olympic gold medallist, former soldier, and proud gay woman, about the reality of hiding her sexuality for 34 years.
Kelly reflects on her time in the British Army, when being gay was still illegal, and the constant fear of discovery. She opens up about the emotional toll of living in silence, the pressure of public life, and the lasting impact on her mental health.
She also discusses survivor’s guilt... the belief that if she’d been discharged for being gay, she might never have become an Olympic champion... and the inner conflict of being celebrated while concealing such a significant part of her identity.
This is a conversation about fear, identity, and the unseen weight of silence
📱 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @alwaysmepodcast
💬 To share your story, email: [email protected]
SUPPORT SERVICES
LGBTQ+ Support
Switchboard – LGBTQ+ Helpline
• A confidential helpline for LGBTQ+ people to talk about sexuality, gender identity, and more.
• Phone: 0800 0119 100
• Website: switchboard.lgbt
Stonewall
• Offers support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.
• Website: stonewall.org.uk
Open Table Network
• Phone: 07501753618
• Website: opentable.lgbt
Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
Samaritans
• For anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.
• Phone: 116 123 (Free, 24/7)
• Website: samaritans.org
Mind
• Provides advice and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
• Phone: 0300 123 3393
• Website: mind.org.uk
PAPYRUS – Prevention of Young Suicide
• Support for people under 35 experiencing suicidal thoughts, and for those concerned about someone else.
•Phone: 0800 068 41 41
• Website: papyrus-uk.org
Shout
•A free, confidential mental health text support service.
• Text: SHOUT to 85258 (24/7, free text service)
• Website: giveusashout.org
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By GlobalRich Clarke speaks with Dame Kelly Holmes, double Olympic gold medallist, former soldier, and proud gay woman, about the reality of hiding her sexuality for 34 years.
Kelly reflects on her time in the British Army, when being gay was still illegal, and the constant fear of discovery. She opens up about the emotional toll of living in silence, the pressure of public life, and the lasting impact on her mental health.
She also discusses survivor’s guilt... the belief that if she’d been discharged for being gay, she might never have become an Olympic champion... and the inner conflict of being celebrated while concealing such a significant part of her identity.
This is a conversation about fear, identity, and the unseen weight of silence
📱 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @alwaysmepodcast
💬 To share your story, email: [email protected]
SUPPORT SERVICES
LGBTQ+ Support
Switchboard – LGBTQ+ Helpline
• A confidential helpline for LGBTQ+ people to talk about sexuality, gender identity, and more.
• Phone: 0800 0119 100
• Website: switchboard.lgbt
Stonewall
• Offers support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.
• Website: stonewall.org.uk
Open Table Network
• Phone: 07501753618
• Website: opentable.lgbt
Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
Samaritans
• For anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.
• Phone: 116 123 (Free, 24/7)
• Website: samaritans.org
Mind
• Provides advice and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
• Phone: 0300 123 3393
• Website: mind.org.uk
PAPYRUS – Prevention of Young Suicide
• Support for people under 35 experiencing suicidal thoughts, and for those concerned about someone else.
•Phone: 0800 068 41 41
• Website: papyrus-uk.org
Shout
•A free, confidential mental health text support service.
• Text: SHOUT to 85258 (24/7, free text service)
• Website: giveusashout.org