Bournemouth's first gay mayor to feature in ITV documentary

Councillor David Kelsey, who represents the East Cliff and Springbourne wards, will share his personal story in an ITV programme. He will discuss the difficulties he has previously encountered after coming out as gay.

Cllr Kelsey was elected as the Mayor of Bournemouth on May 28, 2021, and was Bournemouth's first openly gay mayor. 

The ITV documentary Kelly Holmes: Being Me will air on Sunday, June 26, between 10.20pm and 11.15pm. 

The documentary focuses on the double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes. 

The programme which features Cllr Kelsey's story will uncover his experiences with homophobia whilst in the army. He spent six months in military prison and was kicked out of the armed forces after his homosexuality was discovered. His service medal was later taken from him.

Cllr David Kelsey reclaiming service medal after policy change

Cllr Kelsey said: "It has had a hugely negative effect on what I wanted to do with my life. But at the same time, I’ve always been positive and had that not happened I would have never of moved to Bournemouth and I would never have had the great opportunity to become mayor."

"You have to make what you can with your own life, and I’ve never let being gay hold me back."

June is Pride month and Cllr Kelsey said he is 'excited' to be celebrating how much society has changed for the better.

Cllr Kelsey said: “Having a whole month dedicated to pride means a lot.

"It means people can be what they want to be, they no longer have to hide behind closed doors like it was in my day.

"I am really happy to say I never had a single negative comment in my time being the Mayor of Bournemouth.”

“People were warm and welcoming, and they loved the fact we had turned a corner in this town, and we have become more accepting."

“The LGBTQ+ community in Bournemouth is massive and it’s great to see."