Scottish Secretary David Mundell said last night that coming out was one of the most difficult things he has done – but also among the best.
The Tory frontbencher warned against complacency at the Pink News Awards, which celebrate a range of contributions to LGBT equality.
Mr Mundell, who was presenting an award, said it was right to mark the achievements and how much society had changed for the better.
But he added: “We can’t be complacent and we must face up to and tackle homophobia wherever it exists, and particularly where it manifests itself as the bullying too many young people have to endure.
“I also want to see work continue to address the issues that face the transgender community across the UK and bring them the equality they deserve.”
Scotland’s only Tory MP announced earlier this year that he is gay.
Last night he said: “While coming out was one of the most difficult things I have done in my life, it’s also proved to be among the best.
“There is no template for it and everybody must do what is right for them and their personal circumstances, but I have no regrets.
“I said at the time that I did it for myself and it really has made a difference to my personal happiness by allowing me to be completely the person I am.”
He thanked those who had helped make his path “so much easier than it would have been only a few years ago”.
But he added: “I am acutely aware that many people don’t have the support I’ve had, particularly from their families.
“That’s why it’s so important we continue to speak out to end prejudice and campaign until equality for everybody in the LGBT community is without question.”
Former Prime Minister David Cameron was among those honoured, named ally of the year in recognition of his work securing equal marriage.
