Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
SpunOut.ie Blog
Speaking out...and being heard!
SpunOut.ie Youth Editor, Ian Howley tells his experience of talking to the media about sexuality and mental health.
On Tuesday 10/10/06, I (Ian Howley) released a press release
regarding mental health in Ireland. I talked about my past, what I went through and what I saw as the main factors that contributed to my issues. Those factors were society, religion and the media.
On Tuesday I spoke to eight radio stations followed by three more on Wednesday. I talked to radio stations such as Drogheda FM, SouthEast RadioFM, Midland Radio 3FM, Q102FM, TippFM, LimerickFM, Newstalk106FM and many, many more.
I talked briefly about who I am, my role within SpunOut.ie and the 3 factors which affected me.
Many radio stations were very supportive towards what I was trying to achieve and showed me great respect. I talked about how religion to this day still rejects homosexuality and how the media still only shows one side of the gay culture. I made my point about how there is diversity within the gay community and that it should be celebrated. The media should show the bigger picture, not just the most entertaining one.
I got fantastic feedback from one listener who sent in a supportive text message, which was read live on air. It was very touching and then I knew I was doing the right thing.
Other stations, such as Drogheda FM were not as supportive and challenged me on what I had to say about religion and the media. I was asked "Why don't I find a new religion if I'm not happy with this one?" But I made my point that religion is not like shoe shopping, you can't just go in and choose the one that fits the best.
I was also slammed for my opinion that the media does not show both sides of the gay community. I responded by asking the presenter to think of the first person who came into his head who was gay, to which he responded...Graham Norton… enough said. He had no interest in my story or what happened to me. He only wanted to acknowledge his own side of the story. But I was expecting both good and bad feedback, and I would like to thank him because it was his ignorance that made me even more determined to make a difference.
The reason I took on this challenge is because I want nobody to go through what I went through. I want to see a society where people don't even have to "come out", a society where people can just be themselves, a society where the gay community are not being stereotyped. A society where gay people embrace their sexuality instead of being ashamed of it.
This was an important opportunity for me because I’m getting the chance to show the bigger picture. With the positive feedback I received from various media, it indicates that attitudes are changing.
We here at SpunOut.ie are speaking out and finally being heard. Maybe the media needs to listen more and follow the example of SpunOut.ie, which is setting a marker in responsible and innovative media.
Due to the great response I received from both the media and the general public I now feel assured that I have been aiming in the right direction and I will continue until I achieve what needs to be achieved.
Ten years ago I first realised that I could have been gay, that led me to isolation, depression and despair. And I nearly lost my life. Today I am strong. I am confident and I am finally making a difference. If I can do it, so can you.
Be yourself and happiness will follow.
My name is Ian Howley, I am the person I was looking for.
By: Ian Howley
Further information and links:
