I began by asking James about his coming out experiences?

I grew up in the 80s and 90s and I can distinctly remember the headlines in the newspapers, the prejudice and the bigotry around being gay. That had a profound effect on me. For me, growing up gay in a small community, in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, I didn’t know any gay people or have any role models. I grew up thinking being gay was the worst thing that could happen. I was 24 and I tried to come out, but that attempt didn’t go very well.

What happened next?

By the second time it almost felt like an ultimatum. I had reached my own rock bottom and I realised I had to do something about it and find my own place. I met my now husband at the time and he was a great support. If people don’t like that or if there are sacrifices that come with that then so be it, this is who I am, because I want to be my authentic self and put that out there. There was a lot of worry, upset and misunderstanding but with time that has healed. I’m in a great place now and I wouldn’t swap being gay for the world.

You have recently become a parent. Can you tell us about your surrogacy experience?

I realised that being a dad is always something I wanted. My husband and I started exploring different options around six or seven years ago. We decided to focus our efforts on surrogacy. From our experience, UK surrogacy has been brilliant and the lasting bond we have formed with our surrogate is so special. No one is being forced into UK surrogacy, in that the surrogate is choosing to be involved of their own good will to help others become parents. There is still a lot of public misconception around surrogacy. When I hear people comment that we’re simply ‘using’ the surrogate, it couldn’t be further from the truth. We welcomed our first son in May 2023. It’s the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me.