What was your biggest struggle in terms of coming out and what struggles did you have with your sexuality as you were growing up?
I was always aware from a very, very young age that I wanted to have a family with two parents and when I was accepting myself that was kind of my big thing.
I thought 'well I am not going to be able to have children'. But as you go on and life changes, with the likes of Elton John and David furnish, I think were the first gay couple to make it public knowledge for gay couples to have their own family or adopt. That’s a massive thing now, that the LGBT community can now have a family.
Did you ever suffer with bullying growing up? Was your friendship group quite supportive as you were coming out?
I mean I never had it from my friends, its more outsiders’ opinions and stuff and it sort of sets you for who you’re going to be. I have gone through that and that’s given me a thicker skin now.
Do you think its important for the LGBT community to see people like yourself on TV and to not feel like they need to hide who they are?
Absolutely! I think it’s very, very important for the LGBT community to see people on the TV that represent all aspects of diversity of sexuality.
We have come on leaps and bounds how ever many years since then. I think it is crucial for people, especially teenagers, to feel comfortable in their sexuality and to come out. They should know that it can be done and there is light on the other side.
What do you think of Caitlyn Jenner? Do you think people like her are changing the LGBT community?
I think it is absolutely crucial that we have people like Caitlyn at events . I am just gutted she wasn’t at London Pride to have a strawberry daiquiri with her!
I think she looks incredible and I take my hat off to her. I mean to actually go out there and tell the world who she is and what an inspiration to the trans community and to also show that it doesn’t matter what age you are and having the confidence to be you!
Love is love, people should really be accepted to be themselves as people regardless and sexuality really shouldn’t come into it.
What do you think about the news that America has recognised same sex marriage as a right?
It is one of the biggest achievement and defo a step in the right direction we have had in ages.
I mean America is such a huge country and for them to lead the light at this time of year just before pride, and everything with Caitlyn it’s so topical at the moment. I just feel its going to show a lot of other places that this is the way we need to go now. It needs to be legalised everywhere. They should take a leaf out of America’s book.
Do you see yourself getting married in the future and having a big wedding?
I 100% see myself getting married! That is what I have wanted. I want that committed relationship. I want to be married; I want to have a family. I want what you would consider as a traditional relationship, but just with a man.
I don’t think everyone is the same so just because it is legalised doesn’t mean everyone wants that. Everyone to their own and all that. For me personally I definitely want a big wedding and to be married. I think it is very important for me. Very important.
Would you ever have your wedding on TV like Kim Kardashian? Or do you think it’s quite a private thing?
I mean my career and being on TOWIE, all aspects of your life do get shown I think it would be strange for me to get married and for it to not be on the show.
I would bring the cameras along and show them the day in hope that it shows and gives some one else some sort of hope or inspiration that that’s the path for them.
What advice would you give to others who might be struggling with their sexuality?
I mean, to have that one person, whether it be a relative, a friend, a support group have someone to talk to. Talking is the most important part. Don’t feeling alone and don’t feel ashamed. Just be happy and confident and just be who you are and I know that sounds so cliché but it is so important to be true to you.
If parents suspect their child is struggling with their sexuality how would you recommend approaching the topic with their child? Would you encourage open dialog from the get go?
Again, that’s a tricky question because everyone’s lives are different. Rather than the parents saying anything, sit back and wait for your child to come to you because when they are ready they will come to you. It’s such a journey the realisation of yourself to accepting it yourself and the whole process of ‘who am I going to tell first’ and ‘how am I going to tell them’? It’s a real journey so let them come to you first.
Are you seeing anyone or are you enjoying being single?
I’ve been single for a year. But now, I am in a stage in my life where I am ready to get back to dating and deciding who’s ‘the one’.
Are you excited about your role as Ann Summers' first ever Pride ambassador?
I always love doing Pride and if we have the weather that we had for the London Pride it will be amazing in Brighton!