The story of how a young heterosexual man woke up ‘gay’ continues to capture the public’s imagination six months after his initial revelation hit the headlines, as a new documentary is aired.
'I Woke Up Gay' finds out more about 27-year-old Chris Birch who claims not to identify with his old self after a stroke altered his personality and sexuality.
“It’s like looking at somebody else, but with my face only younger, and in all fairness, if I met myself I’d probably keep walking,” Birch said to the BBC about past pictures of himself.
His claims have caused controversy, as experts question whether a stroke can transform a person’s sexual orientation. Yet, Birch is convinced the stroke was the cause.
"It was a sort of lonely time. It was a time I was afraid to tell anybody because that wasn't who I used to be, so it shouldn't be who I am now," he said to the BBC.
Before the accident Mr Birch, of Ystrad Mynach, South Wales, had spent his weekends watching sport and drinking with his mates, he told the Daily Mail: “Suddenly, I hated everything about my old life. I didn’t get on with my friends, I hated sport and found my job boring. ‘I started to take more pride in my appearance, bleached my hair and started working out. I went from a 19-stone skinhead to an 11-stone preened man.
"People I used to know barely recognised me."
Check out the news of the day in pictures below
Launch Slideshow
?
HIDE THUMBNAILS
1 of 17
PLAY ALL
ADVERTISEMENT
[{"entry_id":"3305088","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/05\/20\/alzheimers-disease-sleep-problems-breathing-link_n_3305088.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/252032\/slide_252032_1551664_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/252032\/slide_252032_1551664_small.jpg","title":"Signs Of Dementia","slideshow_id":"252032","vertical":"uk-lifestyle"},{"entry_id":"3316581","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/05\/21\/health-camomile-tea-cancer-superpower_n_3316581.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/255525\/slide_255525_1616710_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/255525\/slide_255525_1616710_small.jpg","title":"Superfoods That Could Help Protect Against Breast Cancer","slideshow_id":"255525","vertical":"uk-lifestyle"},{"entry_id":"3305295","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/05\/20\/malibu-barbie-mum-addicted-tanning-sun-bed_n_3305295.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/298377\/slide_298377_2473526_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/298377\/slide_298377_2473526_small.jpg","title":"Sarah Willman, Addicted To Tanning","slideshow_id":"298377","vertical":"uk-lifestyle"},{"entry_id":"3286338","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/05\/16\/weekly-wellbeing-bikram-hot-yoga-in-london_n_3286338.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/296304\/slide_296304_2426291_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/296304\/slide_296304_2426291_small.jpg","title":"Yoga Classes You Should Try","slideshow_id":"296304","vertical":"uk-lifestyle"},{"entry_id":"3291541","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/05\/17\/ideas-for-a-weekend-away-in-belfast_n_3291541.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/298060\/slide_298060_2465433_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/298060\/slide_298060_2465433_small.jpg","title":"Ten Things To Do In Belfast","slideshow_id":"298060","vertical":"uk-lifestyle"},{"entry_id":"3301872","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/rich-major\/shanghai-a-mid-range-dining-round-up_b_3301872.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/298307\/slide_298307_2471190_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/298307\/slide_298307_2471190_small.jpg","title":"","slideshow_id":"298307","vertical":"uk-lifestyle"},{"entry_id":"3313135","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/05\/21\/lower-cholesterol-food-eat_n_3313135.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/218900\/slide_218900_844097_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/218900\/slide_218900_844097_small.jpg","title":"Cholesterol Foods","slideshow_id":"218900","vertical":"uk-lifestyle"},{"entry_id":"3310652","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/05\/21\/pregnancy-weight-determine-obesity-children_n_3310652.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/286075\/slide_286075_2215043_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/286075\/slide_286075_2215043_small.jpg","title":"Britain's Childhood Obesity Crisis","slideshow_id":"286075","vertical":"uk-lifestyle"},{"entry_id":"3324081","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/05\/23\/quiz-social-intelligence-test-harvard-eyes_n_3324081.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/289846\/slide_289846_2294522_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/289846\/slide_289846_2294522_small.jpg","title":"Unforgettable Mug Shots","slideshow_id":"289846","vertical":"uk-lifestyle"},{"entry_id":"3312650","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/trivagocouk\/great-gatsby-style-hotels_b_3312650.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/298628\/slide_298628_2479359_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/298628\/slide_298628_2479359_small.jpg","title":"Great Gatsby-Style Hotels","slideshow_id":"298628","vertical":"uk-lifestyle"},{"entry_id":"3305157","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/05\/20\/photography-identical-twins-martin-schoeller-_n_3305157.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/298392\/slide_298392_2473814_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/298392\/slide_298392_2473814_small.jpg","title":"Celebrity Twins","slideshow_id":"298392","vertical":"uk-lifestyle"},{"entry_id":"3310806","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/05\/21\/health-dangers-cancer-treatments-lord-saatchi_n_3310806.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/273675\/slide_273675_1959854_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/273675\/slide_273675_1959854_small.jpg","title":"Know Your Body, Spot Cancer Symptoms","slideshow_id":"273675","vertical":"uk-lifestyle"},{"entry_id":"3284834","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/05\/16\/jaime-moore-not-just-a-girl_n_3284834.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/296876\/slide_296876_2436623_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/296876\/slide_296876_2436623_small.jpg","title":"Not Just A Girl","slideshow_id":"296876","vertical":"uk-lifestyle"},{"entry_id":"3284719","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/05\/16\/skimpy-clothing-women-virgin-trains_n_3284719.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/297827\/slide_297827_2457169_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/297827\/slide_297827_2457169_small.jpg","title":"Stock Images Of Women At Work","slideshow_id":"297827","vertical":"uk-lifestyle"},{"entry_id":"3330730","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/05\/24\/gary-barlow-george-michael-childhood-crush_n_3330730.html","content_type":"tweet","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/299098\/slide_299098_2488706_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/299098\/slide_299098_2488706_small.jpg","title":"Readers Reveal Their Childhood Crush","slideshow_id":"299098","vertical":"uk-lifestyle"},{"entry_id":"3311744","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/douglas-stewart\/national-walking-month-stretch-those-legs_b_3311744.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/252939\/slide_252939_1575421_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/252939\/slide_252939_1575421_small.jpg","title":"Best British Walks","slideshow_id":"252939","vertical":"uk-lifestyle"},{"entry_id":"3285863","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/05\/16\/magazine-refuses-plastic-surgery-adverts-too-real_n_3285863.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/232554\/slide_232554_1094096_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/232554\/slide_232554_1094096_small.jpg","title":"100 Controversial Adverts","slideshow_id":"232554","vertical":"uk-lifestyle"},{"entry_id":"3330450","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/05\/24\/heart-health-prevent-disease_n_3330450.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/249529\/slide_249529_1494295_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/249529\/slide_249529_1494295_small.jpg","title":"An A To Z Guide To Heart Health: How To Protect Your Ticker","slideshow_id":"249529","vertical":"uk-lifestyle"}]
The story of how a young heterosexual man woke up ‘gay’ continues to capture the public’s imagination six months after his initial revelation hit the headlines, as a new documentary is aired.
...
The story of how a young heterosexual man woke up ‘gay’ continues to capture the public’s imagination six months after his initial revelation hit the headlines, as a new documentary is aired.
...
This man looked gay before the stroke, he was, as many closet gays do, playing rugby, and trying to be super straight. The stroke will have given him a good excuse to 'come out' as gay, and he wouldn't lose face with his rugby mates, or girlfriend. It is a shame that young men are often forced by society into pretending to be straight, but he would have been bullied at school had he come out, and made fun of by everyone in his area. I am pleased he can now be himself.
Approveds: This man looked gay before the stroke, he was, as
Below are the main comments I intended readers to view (couldn’t place them into my earlier comments box)
Chris is a real inspiration to me, because he’s living proof that one can train to gain for alternative employment (in adversity) despite having a stroke, has made new friends (after loosing some) and has a fulfilled life.
I studied biology at university and agree with the scientific facts, expressed by some scientists (which were broadcasted on the BBC TV documentary on Chris last year) that Chris’s stroke has damaged brain cells and activated specific genes he carries (that would not naturally be expressed) and created new connections in his brain, which is why he’s no longer heterosexual. I appreciate that Chris’s case is rare, but he is not on his own, as there have been a small number of cases where individuals have changed sexual orientation after a stroke (as mentioned on the BBC TV documentary on Chris last year).
When I donate money to the British Stroke Association, I hope that I’m doing something to help further research to improve the lives of those affected by a stroke (and think of family members affected and Chris).
Best wishes, Marcus
Marcus_G_Talks: Below are the main comments I intended readers to view
Chris is a real inspiration to me, because he proves that one can do anything. When my conditional job offer was terminated (11months ago) his true story gave me the determination to keep going and now have a job at a residential complex and doctors surgery in Nottinghamshire.
When I donate money to the British Stroke Association, not only do I think of you and family members I've lost to the condition, I'm also doing something to help contribute towards better medication and treatment for you and others. I also hoep to reaise awareness of stroke in Nottm. Best wishes, Marcus
Marcus_G_Talks: Chris is a real inspiration to me, because he proves
“Chris is a real inspiration to me, because he proves that one can do anything. When my conditional job offer was terminated 11months ago, his story (as told on BBC last April) inspired me to keep going and now have a job at a residential complex and doctors surgery in Nottinghamshire.
When I donate money to the British Stroke Association, not only do I think of Chris and family members I've lost to the condition, I'm also doing something to help further research to improve medication and treatment for him and others. I plan to do a fundraising event this year, and work with the NHS Changemakers health promotion team. Best wishes, Marcus”
Marcus_G_Talks: “Chris is a real inspiration to me, because he proves
Research has shown that the best thing to stop strokes is 'Rutin'. You can get rutin from food, but it may be better to take a rutin tablet everyday to prevent a stroke.
Approveds: Research has shown that the best thing to stop strokes
Maybe gay all along and using this as a way 'out' ?
Or desperate for 5 mins of fame? -His image doesn't suggest a shrinking violet.
Terrible to have a stroke so young and hope he will not suffer another.
susbran: Maybe gay all along and using this as a way
I personally think that it can happen but then i also think it was buried deep inside n the stroke brought it to the surface....end of day no one really knows exactly wot the brain can cause n theres no facts on how u become gay...yes there have been scientific studies but still no absolute answer....i think he brave...it was the hardest thing me coming out as a lesbian but i was battleing them feelings from a very young age!! i hid it for years....but to feel like u are straight n then it all of a sudden changes n u have to get used to that idea as well as not remembering half of ur life its crazy n he is very very brave......gud luck to him i say!!! x
Leis_Lyrics: I personally think that it can happen but then i
I watch that programme on TV last night, and I do feel sorry for him having a stroke so young, but I do not believe it changed him from straight to gay, I think deep down he was gay but he had put it to the back of his mind. I think he was at the time, when he was going out with a gir,l too frightened to tell his parents that he thought he was gay as he lived in a South Wales small community. He seems a nice boy and he has a partner and they seem happy together, and now he has made up with his Mother which is nice.
Barbara_Longstaff: I watch that programme on TV last night, and I
The stroke specialist in the documentary mentioned a case he had come across where a a gay man had turned straight after a stroke...So was he born straight and had suppressed his heterosexuality all his life
markrm71: The stroke specialist in the documentary mentioned a case he
Most women can spot a gay man a mile off.Apart from their mannerisms most gay men have a "gay mouth" and something around the eyes that makes them easy to spot.
He looks like a gay man and I feel the stroke had absolutely nothing to do with it.
He was probably scared of telling family and friends and this has made it easier for him.
MsBubblyBlonde: Most women can spot a gay man a mile off.Apart
That would be why so many women married gay men when it was illegal and driven underground. Camp does not equate to gay - I have known many camp "straight" men who are the most prolific womanisers around and seem to be perfectly happy with their lifestyle.
buchanallan: That would be why so many women married gay men
Bubblyblonde I can tell a gay man a mile off and I don't have a problem with it.
I watched a programme earlier this morning and a professor stated he could happen when a person has had a stroke and that it could have an affect on people's personality. I tend to believe him
Princessdragon: Bubblyblonde I can tell a gay man a mile off
Strokes can dramatically affect a person's behaviour and personality, but their sexual orientation? To me a more likely explanation is that the stroke affected his brain in a way that stopped him repressing his homosexuality - there are many documented cases of strokes lowering the sufferer's inhibitions/
ryanhrny: Strokes can dramatically affect a person's behaviour and personality, but
dear chris, welcome to our world...........somewhere, deep down, you were never heterosexual, and now albeit in a unique way, you are able to live the life you should, you will be happy bwlieve me........all the very, very best.......have a lovely life and meet a lovely, caring partner, it is possible, i did and we celebrate twenty years together this October. . would love to know how you get on. best wishes. Ken x and Ian x. e-mail us at kennethkdj@aol.com
kennethkdj: dear chris, welcome to our world...........somewhere, deep down, you were
Theo Randall
:Recipe for the Weekend: Minestrone Primavera
Jolene Setterfield
:Take Your Power Back and Listen to Your Intuition
Andrew Matthews
:Best Places to Spend the Bank Holiday Weekend
HomeAway.co.uk
:Eight European Beaches That Rival the Best of the Caribbean
Zoe Armstrong
:Five Ways to Fake a Break and Avoid Parenting Burnout
Loading comments… 
The Huffington Post UK | By Sarah O'Meara Posted: 17/04/2012 13:21 Updated: 17/04/2012 14:15