Rev. Richard Coles opens up about being a gay vicar on I’m a Celebrity

Reverend Richard Coles, a former Church of England vicar, has discussed his experience as a gay man within a religious context on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! During a candid conversation with lesbian Insta star GK Barry, Coles stated that he has never felt anxiety regarding his sexuality in relation to his role in the church.

When Barry inquired if Coles found it challenging to reconcile being gay with his ecclesiastical responsibilities, he responded, “No, not at all. I’ve never given it a moment’s twinge of anxiety over whether God thought it was alright or not.” Furthermore, Coles alluded to historical context, suggesting that representations of homosexuality have existed in the church for centuries, saying, “Sometimes I look at documents from the early church, or the church of the middle ages and I just think – so gay.”

Coles, who became well-known in the 1980s as a member of the band The Communards, also shared insights regarding his personal life, including the recent loss of his husband, Reverend David Coles, who died at the age of 43 in December 2019. In his memoir, The Madness of Grief: A Memoir of Love and Loss, he expressed the profound struggles of navigating David’s battle with alcohol addiction. Their relationship, initially described as celibate due to church requirements, was later acknowledged by Coles as more complex, suggesting that the couple had felt compelled to maintain a facade to comply with institutional expectations.

Coles retired from his position as a vicar in 2022, citing a discontent with the Church of England’s conservative direction and its stance on same-sex relationships. His remarks indicate a growing rift between his values and the church’s policies, contributing to his departure.

In the same episode, GK Barry, known for her candidness on social media, shared her own experiences with faith and sexuality. Reflecting on her upbringing, Barry recounted her initial foray into religious beliefs, recalling a camp where teachings discouraged premarital sex. She expressed her youthful resistance to those teachings, further complicating her relationship with religion.

Barry’s burgeoning friendship with Coles has resonated in the camp, with her declaring him as possibly her favourite campmate. As part of their discussions, Barry also revealed personal details about her relationship with professional footballer Ella Rutherford, including a symbolic gesture to commemorate her partner by decorating her nails with an initial—an act signifying pride and affection.

Source: Noah Wire Services