Leo Varadkar coming out is affirming for gay people

Many people commenting on Minister for Health, Leo Varadker’s coming out as gay have said that it shouldn’t have been necessary for him to have done so. I don’t agree.

What he did was a powerful affirmation for gay people in this country. In my experience, some, maybe even many, gay men and women still feel subjugated in our society.

That’s not to say that Ireland isn’t one of the better countries in which to be gay. But we still have a way to go and I think Varadkar’s interview has helped us on our way.

Ted O’Connell

St Christopher’s

Wilton Road

Cork