Dr Ranj reveals he was suicidal before coming out as gay
Dr Ranj spoke about coming out (Wiktor Szymanowicz/Getty)
This Morning medical expert Dr Ranj has revealed that he was suicidal before coming out as gay.
The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, real name Ranjit Singh, was previously married to a woman but came out as gay publicly in 2015.
In an interview with the Mirror as he took part in Pride in London on Saturday, the TV doctor opened up about the turmoil he went through coming out.
Dr Ranj: There were times I thought it would be easier not to be here
He explained: “I came out of a straight relationship and started to accept who I actually was.
“I was truly broken. I felt like I was a really bad, horrible person just for being true to myself.
Dr Ranj took part in Pride in London on Saturday (Instagram)
He added: “It was only because of the kindness and grace of my friends and family, and the LGBT+ family that I was able to put myself together again.”
Dr Ranj only came out to his family recently
Despite coming out as gay publicly in 2015, he added that he only broached the subject with his family members while appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018.
The real-life doctor previously said that while the media industry is mostly accepting, the medical world “has a little further to go.”
He said: “It’s a bit ironic that the caring profession could ever be prejudiced, but it does happen.
“People like myself and so many others are here to change that, though.”
As he attended Pride in London on Saturday, Singh wrote on Instagram: “Today I get to celebrate #love and #equality for all with my London LGBT+ friends, family & allies.
“This occasion means more and more every year & we must never be complacent, or forget why we have it.”
If you are in the US and are having suicidal thoughts, suffering from anxiety or depression, or just want to talk, call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255. If you are in the UK, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123.
