A homosexual person is simply one who is by nature attracted to his or her own
sex.
Today the word ‘gay’ is generally used instead of ‘homosexual’ and it can apply
to either men or women, while the word ‘lesbian’ applies to women only.
Being gay is not just a physical
matter, but entails the same need we all have for a lasting and caring relationship. Above all, they by no means choose
to be gay, for they are born with this orientation, just as they are born with their own particular bone structure and colour
of eye and hair.
Some 10% of any given population are gay, in any part of the world, and they should in no way
be made to suffer for being who they are. It could have been you or me and is not due to any sin. It is not the ‘fault’
of either parents or their children.
Bisexuals are people who are attracted to their own sex and also to the opposite
sex. Sometimes they are in a marriage or a heterosexual relationship (i.e.
one between a man and a woman) and discover their homosexual nature only at a later stage.
Life can be more difficult
for them because if they are open they may be accepted by neither ‘straight’ people nor the gay community and
on that account they are generally more invisible.
Research has shown that some 30% of adults have at some stage
had bisexual feelings or experiences. To be the parent of a bisexual child is not so unusual.
No. Since 1993 it has been completely legal in Ireland. It is also legal to have
a gay partner from the age of 17 - the age of consent.
Much legislation enacted in Ireland in the last number of years is designed to
ensure equal treatment for gays and lesbians. The Equality Authority also acts to prevent discrimination and promote equality
on the grounds of sexual orientation.
No, there is no ‘cure’, because it is not a disease. Some men and
women are simply born that way - some know that they are ‘different’ from early childhood, others become aware
of it in their teens or even later.
They don’t ‘catch’ it nor do they invent it in order to attract
attention.
Bringing them to a GP or a psychiatrist to be ‘cured’ cannot change
their nature. It is likely to harm them, for it is a sign of rejection. However, sympathetic counsellors, doctors and priests can help and Gay Switchboard
Dublin will give you the names of professionals who are sympathetic.
‘Will my child become a homosexual if he meets gay people?’ .
No. And it can’t be catching since it’s not a disease.
HIV and AIDS are naturally a worry for parents.
We all want our children to avoid placing themselves at risk, whether they have partners of the same sex or of the
opposite sex.
The gay community in Ireland works hard to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus which causes AIDS, and with due protection gay people can have sexual lives without danger.
World Health Organisation research shows that it is also to a large extent transmitted
by drug injection, by blood transfusion and by intercourse between heterosexual people. Lesbians are generally in the safest
group.
To repeat, it is essential for our peace of mind, and for our children’s
health, that we direct them to health information.
You may have other questions - to get advice on these and find out
more about the support groups available for you and your child visit the parent support website at: http://www.gayswitchboard.ie
This information was kindly provided
by:
Parents’ Support.
You can reach Parents’ Support through Gay Switchboard
Dublin Telephone (01) 8721055 Sunday to Friday 8:00pm to 10:00pm and Saturday 3:30pm to 6:00pm and through Lesbian Line Telephone
(01) 8729911, Thursday 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Gay Switchboard Dublin can also be contacted on Email at gds@iol.ie.
