Telling your old-school, Catholic father about your sexuality

Ep 12: You’ve grown up in a provincial Irish town. You’ve known that your sexuality is different to those around you since you were a teenager. But, as you grow up, you find that you do not fit the stereotype of what a gay man is perceived to be and you are reluctant to define yourself by your sexual preference. One day, however, you realise that one of the people you love most does not truly know you. 

Your father is an old-school man whose values belong to generations past. You’ve never spoken to him about sex, never mind your sexuality. How will you approach finally telling him about your true self? And will he accept you once he knows?

Today we discover how Larry’s sexuality has influenced his perception of himself as a man. And ask, why is it that so many “masculine men” feel the need to hide their sexuality when they happen to be gay?

Alex Melia, and the Stories of Men team are on a mission to uncover what it means to live an independent and meaningful life. We'll be sharing this knowledge with you every week.

We’d like to extend our appreciation to today’s guest, Larry Meyler. His candour, courage and generosity in sharing such a personal story of identity and acceptance is profoundly appreciated . His reflections also provide a vital part of the puzzle as we try to piece together what it means to be a man in today’s world.

Link to first book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Being-Brave-Journey-Through-Depression/dp/1546473076 

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