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A teenager from Drogheda has spoken to the Taoiseach about the everyday homophobia he experiences.
Ruairí Holohan, 15, spoke with Micheál Martin about Zoom for more than 30 minutes this morning, as part of a series of events for World Children’s Day.
The annual celebration takes place on November 20 and aims to highlight the key issues affecting children and young people.
Speaking to the Taoiseach from UNICEF Ireland’s Dublin office, Ruairí started the conversation by explaining that he wanted to focus on “an issue that affects me personally, society and the LGBTQ + community.”
The Transition Year student, who came out at 13, recounted his experience of homophobia.
“Although we as a country have come a long way in recent years, homophobia is still rampant.
“Wherever you go, there are people who are afraid to get on a bus, walk down the street or express themselves. I have been called the insult ‘f’. A fag. A gay. A fairy.
“It’s like I’m a minor object to them.”
He also recalled an example of the bullying he experienced at his previous school.
“I was so scared in sophomore year. A video of me kissing another boy came out, especially in some of the boys’ schools. I felt so vulnerable.
“Did I feel like I should change who I am? Or do I stand tall and let the haters hate me? I look back and I’m so proud to stand my ground. And I just said, ‘I’m gay and if I don’t like it, so be it. ‘”.
Taking the opportunity to call for more discussions about LGBTQ + relationships in schools, he said: “We as a society need to learn more. If we are not openly discussing and valuing all kinds of relationships in schools, how can we stop intolerance and The discrimination? ? “
Congratulating Ruairí, the Taoiseach said, “I think what you are doing by sharing your story is very important. You got up. You are raising and stating problems. That is very important to your peers.
“You will have changed the attitudes of your friends. We can all be agents of change in our lives and in our behavior.”
Ruairí, who describes himself as “passionate about politics”, was selected by UNICEF Ireland for his fourth #KidsTakeOver from the Taoiseach office.
Today’s conversation ended on a cheerful note, and the teenager told Mr. Martin that he hoped “to see him on the Dáil someday.”
As Ruairí chatted with the Taoiseach, other children and youth from around the world joined UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors David Beckham, Orlando Bloom, Millie Bobby Brown, Ishmael Beahand Priyanka Chopra Jonas for virtual conversations in celebration of World Children’s Day. Boy.
Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director, said: “This year has changed the lives of an entire generation of children and young people.
“But we can draw hope and inspiration from all the progress we are making to respond to Covid-19 and reimagine stronger systems for the future.
“From distance learning through technology, to building stronger community health, nutrition, water and sanitation systems, to equitable delivery of an eventual Covid-19 vaccine through COVAX facilities, we have many reasons to look to 2021 with a renewed sense of optimism.
“On this World Children’s Day, we call on the world community to help us keep this hope alive by supporting children and youth in their hour of need.”
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