While speaking about a traumatic incident in the army, Dame Kelly Holmes had to keep her cool.
reflected on the circumstances that left her with mental health concerns on Friday’s edition of Loose Women.
Kelly, 53, informed her fellow panellists and viewers that she needs a moment to gather herself because she gets overwhelmed.
‘Okay I’ve got to take a deep breath because I get quite anxious and emotional,’ she honestly revealed.
After taking a few seconds, she said: ‘During that time [Kelly was in the army from 1998-1997] there was a witch hunt, where they were purposely going into barracks and trying to find people who were considered, possibly, to be gay.’
She verified that it had occurred to her, and that it had been a terrifying event that had left her terrified.
‘I was raided. The royal military police would come into my private space, my bedroom, and ransack it completely, be intimidating, interrogating, be in my face.’
She continued: ‘I was scared. I was 23. I was petrified. I didn’t want to lose my career. For me personally that caused me mental health issues throughout my whole career. I was so petrified as the shame was institutionally driven into me, hence why I didn’t come out until last year.’
She also remembered having to hide letters from her sister and pal in case they included information that might get her in hot water.
Kelly was backed up by Nadia Sawalha, Judi Love, and Sunetra Sarker, all of whom complimented the former Olympian for coming up. Judi squeezed Kelly’s hand after her emotional speech, signifying her unwavering support.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a historic apology earlier this week, prompting the opportune conversation.
Until 2000, it was illegal to be gay in the British military, and Sunak termed this a “appalling failure” and apologised on behalf of the government.
Serving soldiers suspected of being homosexual, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender were routinely interrogated and subjected to harrowing medical examinations.
People lost their jobs and pensions, and they were commanded never to use their military rank or wear their uniform again.
Some even received time in prison for the military criminal crime of homosexuality.
Kelly was one of the former military officers who spoke about their army experiences for a government-commissioned independent examination of the service and experiences of LGBT veterans who served in the armed services between 1967 and 2000.
‘As today’s report makes clear, in that period many endured the most horrific sexual abuse and violence, homophobic bullying and harassment, all while bravely serving this country,’ said Sunak.
‘Today, on behalf of the British state, I apologise.’
Olympian Kelly reflected on the experience and her involvement in getting the apology as part of the campaign group ‘Fighting With Pride’.
Source My Celebrity Life.
