Sir, – It is good to see that the subject of gay health issues, particularly depression and the question of suicide, have been highlighted (Kitty Holland, Irish Lives, August 3rd).
That four out five gay men have contemplated suicide is a horrorendus statistic. Some 10 years ago, as part of an as yet uncompleted work, I interviewed 76 gay men, aged from 18 years to 80 years, 35 per cent contemplated suicide, 21 per cent attempted suicide, 44 per cent neither contemplated nor attempted suicide. Slightly more than half of the respondents reported that their feelings of depression led them to either contemplate or attempt suicide.
For many reasons gay men/women are often “invisible” in our society. However, a lack of visibility in medical education can lead to inappropriate health care. Studies show that attitudes translate into behaviour. I believe that a substantial increase in the quality of heath care is possible as a result of increased awareness and understanding, not only among health professionals but in families, workplaces, society at large, and indeed in that very church of God’s people whom I serve as priest. And yes, congratulations to Robbie Obara. – Yours, etc,
(Fr) ANTHONY J BUTLER,
Blackrock Road, Cork.