Andrew Muir
"My life has been made so much better after seeing someone else's story"
The Story
Andrew had been having difficulties in expressing his sexuality, he knew who he was, but he was well aware that there were different levels of tolerance in modern society. After watching a movie, Andrew pulled some inspiration from an emotional, story. After watching he decided that things would change for the better in his life
My View
"A number of months later I self identified as a gay man in February 2006. I was 19 and society was a very different place than it is now.
An unequal age of consent existed. Gay people could not serve in the Armed Forces. Businesses could turn away gay people simply because of their sexuality. Employers could also sack people on the basis of their sexual orientation without any legal redress for the gay employee. Gay people in loving relationships couldn't enjoy the same legal protections as straight people whose relationships were the only partnerships validated and accepted by the state. Section 28 applied across Great Britain leading to a culture of homophobia within educational institutions, fearful to talk about sexuality. Β Hate crimes weren't treated by the judiciary with the exceptional contempt and heavier sentences they deserve.
Things are much better in 2007. Northern Ireland is now at peace. Legislation has been introduced which removes all the discrimination against gay people which was evident in 1996. Gay people are now viewed as equals under the law. A more tolerant society now prevails.
In 1995 life was bleak. From February 2006 it became brighter day after day after I 'came out'. In 2007 life is bright and hopeful where over two thirds of people in Northern Ireland welcome and accept lesbian and gay people as their neighbours."
Andrew's own website:
Details about the film 'Priest':
Father Greg Pilkington is a Roman Catholic priest struggling between his calling as a priest in an inner-city parish, his personal traditional conservatism and his homosexuality, while dealing with the sanctity of the confession in regard to knowledge that he obtained in confession about a local father who is sexually abusing his own daughter.
The story continues...
Andrew has given some contact details for relevant lesbian and gay support groups as follows:
(Gay mens Helpline Β
The Cara-Friend Gay Helpline operates each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:30pm - 10pm on (028) 9032 2023 for gay and bisexual men.
(LGB org for North Coast of NI)
LGB Information line operates on Tuesday and Thursday from 7pm - 10 pm to provide support and advice on a range of issues which affect the LGB community.
(LGB for North East of Ireland)
Lesbian Line helpline operates every Thursday evening from 7:30pm - 10pm on (028) 9023 8668 for lesbian and bisexual women.
(LGBT walking group)
(volunteer-led Belfast based LGBT organization based on collective planning and action)
(for gay and bisexual men)
Comments
Name: Gareth Lee
Date: 21st August 2007
Comment: Thanks Andrew for your inspirational story!
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