The Gay UK December 2015 | Page 89

COVER CREDIT: PR SUPPLIED JH: Do you think that’s something that’s likely to change in Northern Ireland in the coming year? There was recently a vote on samesex marriage in Northern Ireland and it was largely supported but a technicality meant it didn’t pass – JD: Yep, I think that’s going to keep happening for quite some time. I think that’s the way it is for at least another couple of years. I think we’ll get there eventually. JH: You spoke openly about your sexuality in 2013 and you came out as bisexual on ASK.fm, was it a difficult decision for you to make? JD: It was a thing in my head, I knew always really. So I didn’t think twice, that was just the way it was. I didn’t want to make a big deal about it, what’s the biggie? JH: So few people come out as bisexual why do you think that is? JD: Well if you look at the media there’s no such thing as someone who’s bisexual, because it’s very black or white, you’re either gay or your straight. What’s the difference between a unicorn and a bisexual? One of them is actually portrayed in the media. JH: Do you think writing bisexual storylines just gets too complicated? JD: I think it possibly could but, it shouldn’t be. Could people keep up with someone dating a boy and then dating a girl, I don’t know, it’s a tough one. I think it’s easier for some people to think in black and white, to think you’re either gay or your straight, it’s easier – so I think a lot of storyline writers make their life easier by keeping it black and white. JH: Especially when the country that borders Northern Ireland Ireland - overwhelming has accepted it! JD: Absolutely, you’d think that the north would be a bit more forward thinking, but not just yet. Most people are (accepting) though when you talk to people, there’s a minority that, I won’t say spoil it, but… JH: Does it surprise you that Northern Ireland is still so far behind with LGBT rights? JD: It bugs me and I’m not going to lie. That idea that someone could go to hospital and their loved one might not be able to go and see them, because their not technically their spouse, that to me is just upsetting and not something I want to think about to be honest. JH: Bu ^H