The former UK Health Secretary, aged 43, stated in an interview with the podcast 'Iain Dale All Talk' during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival that he received an 'absurd volume' of abuse.
He noted that over the past three weeks, he has encountered more online homophobia than in his entire life. He emphasized that people cannot accept the idea of a gay person leading the armed forces of the United Kingdom, as reported by the BBC and The Guardian.
Strating expressed satisfaction that the first openly gay Defence Secretary remained almost unnoticed by the media. He added that he expected this to become irrelevant in the third decade of the 21st century, but for many people, it remains an important issue online.
Although the law allowing homosexuals to serve in the armed forces was changed in 2000, Strating reported receiving congratulations from ministry staff.
Wes Strating held the post of Health Secretary from 2024 to 2026 before resigning due to disagreements with Keir Starmer, who insisted on his departure. He was appointed Defence Secretary by current Prime Minister Andy Burnham in July after he declined plans to participate in elections for the Labour Party leadership.