A YOUNGSTER who credits his adopted same-sex parents for changing his life is encouraging other LGBT couples to do the same.

The boy, now 12, had to be removed from his home in Colchester as a toddler where he was being neglected.

Officers were given an anonymous tip-off that he was being frequently left alone, and he was found padlocked in an upstairs room in complete darkness.

After spending time in foster care he was eventually adopted by a male couple and now enjoys a happy and loving childhood.

Essex County Council has released details about the case to mark LGBT Adoptions and Fostering Week.

The boy, whose real name has not been released said: “I was a bit nervous at first and sad to be leaving my foster family, but I was fine after that and thought my dads were awesome.

“They couldn’t be better parents and everything works perfectly.

“I think it is great to have a family and parents, and they give amazing cuddles.”

“My friends don’t really care that I have two dads.

“There was one child that wasn’t very nice about it in Year Seven but that all stopped very quickly and it’s never really a problem.

“If anyone else is thinking about adoption I’d say they should go for it because it makes a huge difference.

“It gives a child a family and a home, and they are the most important things in life.”

Thomas’ adoptive parents are also encouraging other LGBT couples to consider adoption this LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week, which runs from March 5 to March 11.

Their identities have also been protected.

One of his parents said: “From our perspective going into it as a gay couple, we were worried at first about how the world would react.

“We were petrified our child would be bullied and people would react differently to us, but the whole process was absolutely outstanding and we’ve never had a problem.

“Your sexuality never even comes into it. Gay, straight, bisexual, transgender; it really doesn’t matter.

“He says ‘I’m proud of having two dads and excited about it’, and that makes us so proud of him.”

He added: “Adoption is a wonderful journey and needs to be shared by so many more people.

“People say we changed his life but he has changed our world. We were just a couple and now, through adoption, we are a family and he has given us purpose.”

About 13 per cent of the adopters approved by Essex County Council in 2016/17 were LGBT – above the national average of 10 per cent.

Gazette: Encouragement - Dick Madden

Encouragement - Dick Madden

The council's children and families boss Dick Madden said: “Our fantastic foster families and adopters give safe and loving homes to hundreds of children every year.

“They come from all different walks of life and backgrounds, and we are very clear that sexuality is never a barrier.

“More adopters and foster families are still urgently needed and I would encourage anyone with the patience, time and commitment to help change children’s lives to get in touch with us.”

To find out more about adoption and fostering in Essex, visit essexadoptionandfostering.co.uk or call 0800 801 530.