Showbiz
Stephen Gately has praised Westlife's Mark Feehily for coming out.
The former Boyzone singer, who came out in 1999, thinks that his decision will help many others in a similar predicament.
"What he's done will help thousands of other youngsters who fear the effect coming out will have on their families," said Gateley, 29.
"I was in a similar position when I was in Boyzone. But coming out was the best thing I ever did. I got so much support from my friends, family and my fans.
"I was inundated with letters from people saying I had given them the courage to do the same. I remember one of the letters was from a young guy telling me he was suicidal until he read my interview and that had given him the courage to come out."
The former Boyzone singer, who came out in 1999, thinks that his decision will help many others in a similar predicament.
"What he's done will help thousands of other youngsters who fear the effect coming out will have on their families," said Gateley, 29.
"I was in a similar position when I was in Boyzone. But coming out was the best thing I ever did. I got so much support from my friends, family and my fans.
"I was inundated with letters from people saying I had given them the courage to do the same. I remember one of the letters was from a young guy telling me he was suicidal until he read my interview and that had given him the courage to come out."
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