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On 22 April Cara-Friend and The Rainbow Project will launch a guide for parents of lesbian, gay or bi-sexual children.
The guide will be officially launched at an event opened by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, and with keynote speakers including the Human Rights Chief Commissioner and senior representatives from OFMDFM.
Research carried out for the shOUT Report (published by YouthNet) has shown that 77% of the young gay, lesbian or bisexual people interviewed realised their own sexual orientation before the age of 17. Sadly the research also showed that 63% of the young people did not feel they could tell their parents when they first came out, and 29% had attempted suicide.
Steven Williamson, Co-ordinator for Cara-Friend says:
“Both Cara-Friend and The Rainbow Project receive many calls from parents whose child has just come out; these parents are often worried about their child’s safety and well-being, whilst at the same time feeling ashamed or confused themselves by the myths that exist about sexual orientation or the stereotypes still shown in the media.
This new Family Ties guide, and the Family Ties Parents Peer Support group which will meet regularly from May onwards, will be a huge step forward in helping these parents to help themselves and to help their child.”
Mirjam Bader, Manager for The Rainbow Project says:
“Straight or gay, young people need love and support from their parents. With financial support from the Southern and Eastern Health and Social Services Boards, The Rainbow Project and Cara-Friend have produced this guide which aims to provide some practical information and guidance for parents whose child has just come out”.
Cara-Friend has been providing support, information, counselling and safe social space to the LGBT community since 1974. It incorporates Gay Help-Line, Lesbian Line, and Gay & Lesbian Youth N. Ireland.
The Rainbow Project is a health project for gay and bi-sexual men which has offices in Belfast and L’Derry.
If you would like to attend the launch event in Belfast on 22 April, or you require more information, please contact Liam at The Rainbow Project, tel: 028 9031 9030, or Steve at Cara-Friend, tel: 028 9089 0202 for details of venue etc.
The event is open from 6.30pm with keynote speakers from 6.55pm to 7.30pm.
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