I’m currently serving as a temporary sergeant on the marine unit with the Ministry of Defence Police, based at Faslane. I have a 7 year old daughter and was previously married (to a woman) from whom I separated in 2015.

 

In summer 2017, I’d been single for a while and started to accept that I liked guys and quietly started dating. The first person I came out to was my ex-wife, who was, and still is, really supportive and said that she just wanted me to be happy.

 

In September that year, I plucked up the courage to tell my big sister and it seemed to become easier after that. By the beginning of 2018, I’d told all my family and close friends. Whilst I told them all it wasn’t a secret, I decided I wasn’t ready to come out at work. I was still single, so I suppose I felt that I didn’t really have anything to tell, as I was still the same person. I was also a bit apprehensive as I was only aware of one other gay guy at work and was a bit worried about how I might be received.

 

I met Jamie in October 2018 and we became a couple a month or so later. By February the following year I decided that it was the right time to start telling friends at work.  I told a couple of people and then shared a couple of pictures on social media and when I returned to work a few days later, everyone knew and that was that. I needn’t have worried as I have had no issues at work and have received a lot of positive feedback for being true to myself. I also told Liv, my daughter, at this point and she’s been great with Jamie and me being together.

 

I feel accepted by the LGBT+ community and, although I don’t really socialise on ‘the scene’ I haven’t had many negative experiences.

 

In July last year, Jamie and I bought a house together. Liv, my daughter, is here with us half the time and we are all enjoying family life so far!

 

I’ve also recently taken on the role of diversity and inclusion officer at work and I’m enjoying engaging with the staff networks, both within the MOD and Police!

​