Westlife, the Irish boy band with 12 UK #1 singles under their belts, are just finishing up a 56-date World Tour in Bahrain, and singer Mark Feehily (second from left) has decided it’s time to tell the world something else about himself:
“I want people to know the truth. I am gay and I’m very proud of who I am. I’m not asking for sympathy, or to be a role model for someone else. I simply felt it was the right time to tell the truth. In the past I haven’t felt the need to say anything about my sexuality. But I want people to know I’m very comfortable with who I am. I’m not worried about how people react because I’m happy being who I am. I’m still the same person the day I was before. I’m sure Westlife fans will be pleased I’m happy. I don’t think it changes anything. All the lads in Westlife have settled down and are in relationships, so why can’t I be?”
The rest of his bandmates have known he’s gay for a while. All it took for Feehily to decide to come out was for him to find Kevin McDaid, a singer from another boy band. The Sun tabloid decided to make an opinion piece out of their front page by creatively juxtaposing some headlines. “What a waste” they say. We certainly don’t think so.
Westlife — Westlife
Westlife — World of Our Own
Westlife — Turnaround
