Wes Streeting describes ‘unbelievable volume’ of homophobic abuse since becoming defence secretary
Streeting says role is chance to show strength and challenge stereotype that ‘persists in dark corners of internet’
AI Summary
Wes Streeting, the first openly gay UK defence secretary, has faced an "unbelievable volume" of homophobic abuse online since his appointment, which he attributes to people struggling with the idea of a gay person leading the armed forces. Despite the online vitriol, he notes that his sexuality has been "almost entirely unremarked upon" in mainstream media. Streeting, who took office in 2024, highlighted the progress from the ban on gay military service until 2000 to his current role.