Former Scottish first minister reveals the truth about her sexuality and the scandalous ‘lesbian affair’ rumors

In the first excerpts from her highly anticipated memoir Frankly, set to be released next week, former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon opens up for the first time about her sexuality and personal relationships, reports the Daily Mail.

“Long-term relationships with men have accounted for more than thirty years of my life,” she writes, “but I have never considered sexuality, including my own, to be strictly binary. Moreover, sexual relationships are a deeply private matter.”

Earlier this year, Sturgeon officially announced her divorce from Peter Murrell, whom she married in 2010 after dating since 2003. Despite many years with a male partner, she emphasizes that her sexual identity does not fit into clear-cut categories.

“I have always felt that my self-perception goes beyond traditional definitions,” she notes. “That’s why I’m hesitant to label or define it concretely. It’s far too intimate and complex for public discussion.”

Sturgeon also addressed the social media rumors alleging a romance with then-French ambassador Catherine Colonna: “At the time, social media was literally flooded with rumors of my supposed ‘wild lesbian affair.’ Some versions reached the absurd — from a ‘violent encounter involving an iron’ to a ‘love nest’ in a house bought from Andy Murray’s mother.”

“I was simply furious at such false stories,” Nicola admits. “Fortunately, Catherine was aware too, and when we first met after lockdown, we laughed about the absurdity together.”

However, the former politician did not shy away from the serious side of the issue: “This case highlights how easily fake stories spread on social media and how often homophobia underlies such rumors. For many spreading them, ‘lesbian’ and ‘gay’ are used as insults aimed at me. But I refused to let those attacks affect me.”

Nicola emphasizes that even as a public figure, she believes questions of sexuality remain deeply personal: “I believe sexual relationships and identity are private spheres, which is why I do not share details — to keep part of my life confidential.”

Frankly will be published on August 14, and alongside it, Nicola Sturgeon will give an exclusive interview, potentially revealing even more.