I feel very lucky because my own experience since coming out has been overwhelmingly positive, with the benefit of a loving family, great friends and a supportive work environment. Colleagues across the political divide messaged me their support and the already strong LGBTQ+ community across parliament welcomed me. Nor did it stand in the way of my political career: I was the first openly gay Conservative cabinet member and was hugely honoured when my then cabinet colleague, Justine Greening, subsequently said I was the inspiration for her own coming out.