Gay teachers and pupils

Sir, – When I read the article on gay teachers and pupils (Education Today, March 27th), I was reminded of my own experience…

Sir, – When I read the article on gay teachers and pupils (Education Today, March 27th), I was reminded of my own experience growing up trying to understand my sexual orientation in a predominately homophobic Catholic society.

It is worth adding the gay dimension to many young people who are going abroad in search of a better life. One of the reasons I left Ireland was to be free of this closed minded attitude. Ireland has come a long way in dealing with homosexuality in society, but it still has a long way to go to change the attitudes that pervade most aspects of daily Irish society.

On the night of writing this I will be going to a drinks reception with more than 400 other gay professionals in London – an event actively sponsored by the organisation I work for. I wonder how many events of that kind take place in Dublin or Cork? I doubt there are very many, but I hope I am wrong. – Yours, etc,

JOHN WHITE,

Tooley Street,

London, England.