In what seems like another life, I was a medical student in the mid-80s. The New Romantic movement had only just begun its steep decline, along with my spiked-up straw-dyed hair. Around then, one of my clinical tutors died from Aids. Fellow students whispered that he was gay and "promiscuous". So then, otherwise caring people were implying that he deserved to die from HIV.

The 'supposed' assumed lifestyle of being gay is all, I admit, just a bit alienating to me. It always has been. I've felt in the past like I've been pushed into a group or associated with particular labels for no particular reason.

I've been lucky; being a young gay man in the 21st Century is certainly different to that of fifty, or even ten, years ago. In essence the law is now on my side, I can love another man freely, I can get engaged and have a civil partnership and, should I wish to do so, adopt children.

For the past few weeks university students have been working to develop a video for the "It Gets Better Project", in order to raise awareness about LG...

What we conveniently forget as we attempt to drag celebrities from the closet is that just like mere mortals, they too may be struggling with their sexuality. Having an expanse of wealth and discreet rent boys at your disposal doesn't mean that you're any more ready to admit to yourself that you're gay.

October 12 in the UK is National Coming Out Day, the day when the collective force of a zillion closet doors being thrust open is enough to knock you off your feet. If someone stares intently at you and clears their throat, there's a good chance they're about to tell you they're gay - or they have a peanut stuck in their throat and are unable to speak, silently willing you to decode their desperate stare. Before you put on your best understanding face, check their airways just in case.