The first part of the documentary itself is showing on Monday evening on RTÉ 1, at 9:30pm.

A two-part documentary series exploring the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people growing up in Ireland.

As recently as 1993, homosexuality was illegal in Ireland. As the first generation born after decriminalisation comes of age, this series seeks to establish how much has changed in Irish society in the intervening years. For young people, whose lives revolve around school and the family, is it any easier to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender today than it was 17 years ago?

Filmed over 18 months, Growing Up Gay follows the lives of six young people and, in the process, captures the challenging and even hostile experiences which lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people face in their everyday lives. The series also explores the more universal experiences of growing up – from the ups and downs of life at home and at school, to friendships and falling in love. By presenting the human stories behind labels such as ‘gay’ or ‘lesbian’, the series aims to alleviate the stigma surrounding various expressions of sexual identity.

Making A Stand Against Homophobia interviews some of the members of BelongTo

Young gay people are more confident and self-assured than ever before – but bullying and prejudice are still major problems
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For youth workers such as Michael Barron, director of Belong To – the country’s first gay youth group – the changes are hugely encouraging.

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“When I started in this service around five or six years ago, the people coming to us were 19, 20 or 21. They were typically coming out for the first time. These days, they’re more likely to be 14, 15 or 16. It’s happening in a very positive and dramatic way.”

Read the full article at the link above :) There are three pieces written by members of Belong To about their experiences of being young LGBT people in Ireland, which are well worth the read.

And then, there’s this wonderful short piece in the radio review: So, When Did You Know You Were Heterosexual where BelongTo member Addy holds his own against Ryan Tubridy’s own personal brand of idiocy.

RADIO REVIEW: Just when you thought it was safe to discuss matters of sexuality on live radio . . . He’s back! Ryan Tubridy, that most recession-proof of broadcasters, had a bumpy landing on The Tubridy Show (RTÉ Radio 1, weekdays).

On Monday, he interviewed young gay people about growing up gay. A recent report said homophobic bullying in schools is widespread. These reports are crucial in helping to raise awareness on this issue, and fair play to Tubridy for covering it, but saying that homophobic bullying is widespread is a bit like saying that students smoke behind the bicycle shed.

Addy, who went to school in west Dublin, said he experienced a lot of abuse when he was a student. “I knew I was gay since I was about 12,” he said. “I never didn’t think I was gay.” Tubridy asked, “Twelve is very young. How did you know you were gay?” Addy seemed perplexed, but in a good-humoured sort of way. “I always knew I was gay, kind of like a straight person always knew they were straight.”

It got better. Tubridy said, “Before then did you think that you were equipped mentally and emotionally to know that you might be gay?” Addy responded, “Did you find that you were mentally equipped to be heterosexual when you were 12?” Tubridy said, “Yes, I danced with all the girls at the parties between three and six.” To which Addy replied, “I did too, but I didn’t really enjoy it,” and then he said some of the most important words uttered on the radio this week: “My sexuality was never an issue with me. My sexuality was always an issue with other people.”

That last sentence in the review is fantastic!

Congrats Davy and Meadhbh! You guys were fantastic. :)