WILTSHIRE Police’s LGBT officer Lee Hare is offering support to anyone who has experienced difficulty after revealing their sexuality on National Coming Out Day.

It is the 30th anniversary of the day, which celebrates people coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or as a straight ally for equality.

But not everyone is as accepting of this as others and Lee and fellow PCSO Kate Jackson want to let people know that the police are there for them.

Lee said: “This is a great day in the LGBT+ calendar but sadly these positives can sometimes have a devastating impact on some individuals.

“A day that should be full of happiness can become a nightmare.

"Not all people are open minded and accepting of LGBT+ people. Some will experience ridicule, verbal and even physical abuse and violence.

“People always comment about the agenda being thrown in people’s faces but it’s because of some of the horror stories we hear about that we must still talk about it and celebrate difference.

“It’s for this reason that we as the police want to support any one coming out and congratulate them for doing so.

“We would also like to let them know that we are here if they need any help.”

They want to make sure anyone that has suffered is shown support groups.

He added: “We will support them by dealing with any hate crime or discrimination and can point them in the direction of many support groups that are around Swindon and Wiltshire as well as National support agencies.”

Parents and guardians are being pointed in the right direction as they may also need support after a child or loved one has come out.

Coming out is one of the hardest things to do and should be celebrated, says the LGBT officer, he wants people to know it is okay to be who you are.

Human Rights Campaign is the organisation behind National Coming Out Day. It represents more than three million members and supporters nationwide.

As the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organization, HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.

This year's Coming Out Day was on Thursday.