01 November 2008

Who can you blame? Yes I'm moaning again - A trip to the Swimming Pool last week really got me thinking.

Sitting listening to a group of teenagers talking to each other it occurred to me that probably the most derogatory thing that can be said to people of this age is "Faggot" or "Queer" and boy did they use the terms. What does this say to a young person growing up - It says that the worst thing you can possibly ever be in this world is Gay! Is this acceptable in 21st Century Ireland or even in Newry Swimming Pool?

Where has it all went wrong - Do teachers turn a blind ear, or parents when they hear this utter trash. How would any young boy who already is tormented by his sexuality feel when his friends or the school bully taunts him. No wonder there are so many suicides triggered by perceived problems with sexuality. How on earth could anyone consider being themselves and informing their friends of their sexuality in this atmosphere. Surely it is time that things changed. It is not acceptable to call people names because of their race so why is there a conspiracy of silence when it comes to matters of sexuality.

Newry has a sizeable Gay population of all ages and in all walks of life who are struggling to be integrated into our new city. Perhaps if people understood this and realised the difficulties experienced already in being treated as equals, they would think twice before turning those blind ears or will I just have to keep moaning for years to come?