Tory MP comes out as queer with passionate call to arms to battle LGBT+ hate in the UK
Tory MP for Delyn, Rob Roberts. (Parliament)
Tory MP Rob Roberts has come out, opening up about his sexuality in an emotional message on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
The Member of Parliament, who was elected to represent Delyn in North Wales at the 2019 general election, opened up in a Twitter thread on Sunday.
Roberts wrote: “Today is the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. It’s amazing that it is still a thing in 2020, but it really is and really needs more work to combat all across the globe.
“We saw news footage from an African country just this week of people being beaten and punished for being gay, with the leaders of the communities promising ‘swift action to deal with the problem’. Such a huge shame.
“In the UK attitudes and societal beliefs have changed for the better in the past couple of decades. But there is more to do, as always.”
Rob Roberts MP says he’s ‘no longer afraid’.
He continued: “In society, we are all just people. We all deserve respect and to be able to live our lives as we want to and love the people that we fall in love with without having any fear, hatred or stigma attached to such a beautiful emotion.
“So I hope we can try harder to influence other countries across the world to improve their treatment of the LGBT community, and continue to take steps to improve attitudes in the UK so that we can be free to be ourselves without anxiety or fear.
Roberts added: “There. I may have alluded to it before, but never said it. I’m no longer afraid to be who I am. On this day, it feels particularly poignant and a good time to say it. As a society of people we must do better. As a member of the world community, we must do better.”
Tory MP for Delyn Rob Roberts came out on IDAHOBIT
Tory MP’s coming out message draws support from across politics.
The message attracted support from all sides of politics.
Out Tory MP Crispin Blunt wrote: “Congratulations Rob. You’ve made it a very special IDAHOT day in Delyn. Being free to be oneself is incredibly special and I found huge support from others experience having taken the step you have. Happy to share mine!”
Labour MP Alex Davies-Jones wrote: “Sending you solidarity from across the political divide ??️?”.
Labour’s Geraint Davies added: “Congratulations Rob. There’s a happier world over the ? rainbow. See you soon on Welsh Affairs Committee.”
