{"id":84849,"date":"2023-11-15T19:39:41","date_gmt":"2023-11-15T19:39:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mylifestylemax.com\/?p=84849"},"modified":"2023-11-15T19:39:41","modified_gmt":"2023-11-15T19:39:41","slug":"loose-womens-kelly-holmes-steps-out-with-girlfriend-after-living-in-fear-about-sharing-sexuality","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mylifestylemax.com\/celebrities\/loose-womens-kelly-holmes-steps-out-with-girlfriend-after-living-in-fear-about-sharing-sexuality\/","title":{"rendered":"Loose Women’s Kelly Holmes steps out with girlfriend after ‘living in fear’ about sharing sexuality"},"content":{"rendered":"

Loose Women star Dame Kelly Holmes has stepped out with her new girlfriend after admitting she was 'living in fear' of her sexuality for 34 years.<\/p>\n

The Olympian attended the European Diversity Awards 2023 with her partner Louise Cullen as the couple walked their first red carpet together.<\/p>\n

The British athlete, 53, showed off her toned midriff in a see-through mesh top and a red velvet two-piece suit.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, her girlfriend Louise looked glamorous in a sequin bodycon maxi dress. <\/p>\n

The pair appeared to be in high spirits as they smiled for the cameras at the event at the Intercontinental Hotel.<\/p>\n

It comes as Kelly, who came out as gay last year at the age of 52, opened up to OK!<\/b> about her years of struggles with her sexuality.<\/p>\n


\n<\/p>\n

The sports star who won multiple medals in the 2004 Olympics admitted that she \u2018lived in fear\u2019 for years as she worried about people judging her. <\/p>\n

She bravely explained: \u201cI had to choose to live. It was a big turning point in my mindset where I knew I had to do something for me. <\/p>\n

"I feel jealous of the younger generation and the freedom they have \u2013 they\u2019re so open and transparent and can come out far more freely.<\/p>\n

\u201cScreaming out 'I\u2019m gay, look at me' at my age wasn\u2019t an easy or natural conversation for me. <\/p>\n

"I couldn\u2019t just take away those layers of fear. I lived through the generation of Section 28 \u2013 the homophobic law in the UK, and worked in the military, where it was illegal to be gay \u2013 so it\u2019s hard to look away from the years of judgement, bigotry and bullying that was around me.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Loose Women panellist also opened up about how much her life has changed since she revealed her sexuality. <\/p>\n

The athlete added: \u201cParts of me will always be closed off \u2013 but I\u2019ve hit the f**k-it switch now. Before, I would avoid lunches or coffees through fears of certain conversations arising.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut now these things are different experiences for me. I think because I\u2019m a Dame, and because I would avoid personal questions before, people assumed I do things by the book and I was serious.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut actually, I\u2019m silly, ambitious and enjoy going out and having fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Kelly was able to enjoy her first Pride since coming out in 2022, attending the colourful celebration of love with fashion Icon Gok Wan, calling it the most \u2018momentous moment.\u2019 <\/p>\n

She added: \u201cI just couldn\u2019t stop thinking, 'How am I here?' I\u2019ve known I was gay since I was 18 but being on stage 34 years later, what do you say to this incredible LGBTQIA+ community who have fought so hard for their rights for so long? <\/p>\n

"My speech had the whole of Trafalgar Square chanting, 'Freedom is my voice.' I just knew I wasn\u2019t willing to live behind a curtain any more.\u201d<\/p>\n

Follow OK! on Threads here: <\/b>https:\/\/www.threads.net\/@ok_mag<\/b><\/p>\n<\/p>\n