Former Neo-Nazi Comes Out As Gay, Reveals Jewish Heritage

A white supremacist on Tuesday revealed his Jewish heritage and that he identified as gay as he departs the far-right movement. Kevin Wilshaw, who served as a Neo-Nazi and National Front organizer for several years, opened up about his violent past during an appearance on Channel 4 News in the U.K.

Wilshaw explained to Channel 4 News his reasoning for disassociating with the group, citing the abuse he saw targeted at the LGBT community and Jewish people. Wilshaw also claimed to have been on the receiving end of abuse because of his sexuality.

"On one or two occasions in the recent past, I've actually been the recipient of the very hatred of the people I want to belong to," said Wilshaw. "If you're gay, it is acceptable in society, but with these group of people it's not acceptable, and I found on one or two occasions when I was suspected of being gay I was subjected to abuse."

The reporter was confused by Wilshaw's comments and had questioned him, saying: "So at this point in your life, you're a Nazi with a Jewish background who is gay?"

"[It's] difficult to say, but it's been going on for quite a while," Wilshaw said in response. "It's a terribly selfish thing to say, but it's true. I saw people being abused, shouted at and spat at in the streets. It's not until it's directed at you, that you suddenly realize what you're doing is wrong."

Wilshaw cited the contradictory complications with having "overtly gay" leaders of the National Front, like Martin Webster and Nicky Crane. He also admitted the contradictions with his own identifications, including his homosexuality and his heritage as he revealed his mother is part Jewish.

Wilshaw, a former member of the British National Party (BNP), had been an active member of the far right his entire life. He had even spoken at National Front events this year, an organization who approved of his detailed hatred towards "the Jews" highlighted within his initial application. He claims it will be challenging to "fill a void" that has remained an active part of his life since childhood, but he feels "appallingly guilty" for his previous behavior.

"I want to do some damage as well, not to ordinary people but the people who are propagating this kind of rubbish," Wilshaw said. "[I] want to hurt them, show what it's like for those who are living a lie and be on the receiving end of this type of propaganda."

Nazism, nonetheless, has a foundation in Germany. Jewish people are considered to be the main target, but other racial minority groups, gays, lesbians and sometimes Christians receive hate from the organization. Neo-Nazi groups, however, have a shared appreciation for Nazi Germany and Adolph Hitler.

Neo-Nazism and other related groups also have roots in the United States. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), an advocacy organization that specifies in civil rights, reported that 917 hate groups were found nationwide in 2016, according to ABC News. Such groups include 99 neo-Nazigroups and 130 outposts of the Ku Klux Klan, among others.