Cecil Clarke, a Nova Scotian mayor in Cape Breton Regional Municipality, publicly came out as gay.
The decision came after someone threatened to ‘shame him’ and expose part of his personal life. He’s also expected to announce his candidacy for the Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Party leadership on Saturday (3 February).
‘I’m not going to go forward and announce my intentions about the Progressive Conservative Party leadership race having people think that they are going to shame me, or hold something over me, or make it negative that, in this day and age, that being gay is somehow a bad thing,’ he told Mainstreet Cape Breton.
He also added he hopes people come out to support him as Cecil the politician.
‘The fact that I am gay, if they have a problem with that as a Progressive Conservative, then they’re not my Progressive Conservative of today.’
No place for shame
Clarke said he’s also in a committed relationship with a man who he loves very much.
‘I owe it to myself to be true going forward, because I’m not going to have people trying to shame me or somehow get out there and malign me,’ he said.
During the interview, he also revealed he was sexually abused as a child.
‘I thought I’d recovered very well from that and that I had the love of a family that was there for me and a community that supported me,’ he continued. ‘This week, all of that hurt and pain came barrelling back.’
However, with the love and support of his family and partner, he overcame his struggles. Now, he wants to be an example for young gay people.
‘If I don’t speak out now, if I can’t go into a room and know that the person I want to spend my life with can’t be there freely as well? I actually turned it around and said, no, I’m not prepared. Shame on me — it’s time to say no to this type of abuse.’
Plenty of support
Many people took to Twitter to express their support for Clarke.
Best quote of the interview “life has to be lived”
it was inspiring to hear a softer more personal side of @MayorCBRM. I wish this wasn’t something you had to do publicly as so many don’t, kudos to you. Be happy!
https://t.co/jWi7DCYEsL
— Danielle Patterson (@DanielleDPat) February 2, 2018
Incredibly proud of our @MayorCBRM – No one, including our public figures should ever have to hide who they are in fear of hate or judgment. I wish you all the happiness in the world. #cbpoli
— Kathleen MacLeod (@kmacle0d) February 1, 2018
Tip of the hat to my colleague @MayorCBRM for handling this issue with candour and class. @WayeMason @CBCNS https://t.co/B0NNeeCIXf
— Office of the Mayor (@MikeSavageHFX) February 1, 2018
There’s no place in our PC party for homophobia or discrimination. Mr Clarke’s private life should not be up for attack. Period. #nspoli @MayorCBRM
— Tim Houston (@TimHoustonNS) February 1, 2018
H/t: CBC News
