Pat's Answer

Hello, you are very welcome to Ask Pat,  

Thank you so much for trusting us with your thoughts. We know it can be difficult, but we also know how great it is for young people to share their problems. Talking about and sharing what is going on for you is a big step forward. 

You say that you are pansexual and are wondering do you have to be part of the LGBTQ. You are a Christian, and you say that the LGBTQ community have mocked your beliefs and you are wondering what you should do. 

We are sorry that you are been mocked over your beliefs, no one has the right to mock or bully you. You do not have to be part of any group you do not wish to be part of. Is it important for you to be part of the LBGTQ community? What are the advantages of being part of LGBT+, and what are the disadvantages for you? It is understandable that we as humans want to find a label or a group to fit into and sometimes there is not always a label or group to fit one’s individual preferences. Every young person in Ireland has a right to equality, regardless of their sexuality or religious beliefs.  

You have the right to be heard on this and to seek information around your questions. You are very brave to reach out for support. You have a right to be accepted for who you are. Have you spoken to a member of your family? Sometimes it may be difficult to open up to those close to us and tell them what is going on. But talking really does help. If you feel that you cannot talk to your parents, do you have another trusted adult or person in your life who you feel comfortable talking to? This adult can be an aunt, uncle, teacher, or a school counsellor. You have the right to be listened to, to be heard, and to be supported. Perhaps you would prefer to talk to someone in Childline who does not know you personally first?  

Here are some links that may be helpful to you: www.BelongTo.ie; www.spunout.ie and www.childline.ie   

Don’t forget, you can contact Childline on 1800 66 66 66 to talk about what is going on for you. We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our free text service is at 50101 and you can contact our webchat service through www.childline.ie. While we do not tell you what to do here at Childline, we are here to listen and support you. We can help you to explore the options that are available to you in your life, to help you in a way that suits you best.   

Best wishes, we hope to hear from you soon, 

Pat