FAQ

Why did my child tell me they are gay/bi/trans?

Children tell their parents in order to remove hidden barriers and to be accepted for who they are.

Why is my child gay/bi/trans?

A homosexual, or gay, person is simply one who, by nature, is attracted to someone of the same gender. Nobody is at fault; it is a fact of nature. It’s important to remember that this is not a ‘lifestyle choice’, but the nature of your child.

Is it illegal to be gay/bi/trans?

No. Since 1993, it has been completely legal to be gay in Ireland, with the age of consent the same as for heterosexuals, 17 years old.

How should I react?

For a lot of parents, take the news that their child is gay/bi/trans without too much trouble. For others, it can take some getting used to but, within weeks, become used to the idea. For some parents it can take longer. Indeed, our gay children should give us time to digest the information, just as it took them time to get used to their sexuality.