A Gay Dads Journey From Childhood in Rural Ireland to Marraige and Family Life with Seamus Kearney Martone. I found this episode hugely insightful, to think we grew up in the same town but had such different experiences. Castlerea is a wonderful locality and community, but like any rural Irish town in the 1980's and 1990's, fear of anything other than a conventional relationship was an underlying current. It wasn't out of hate in my view, it was out of lack of exposure and diversity. Anyone who was in any way 'not the norm' left town as soon as they could to find a peer group they felt at home with, so people never got used to diversity within the community. Castlerea is a place I am proud to call home, and like most towns it is now mostly a diverse and welcoming community. I was always unaware of how Seamus or anyone else may have felt growing up in Castlerea, it didn't occur to me and I remained oblivious. The world has moved on, technology supports awareness and diversity, I love to see people expressing themselves truthfully and openly. I am concerned that with rising levels of hate globally we may end up going backwards - and that is why pride month is so so important! Never tolerate hate. Love between one person and another is a beautiful thing and quite frankly doesn't concern you unless you are one of them! Lets embrace differences of sexuality, culture, and beliefs so that no community feels oppressed - there is room for us all and we learn from each other. Find Irish Gay Dads here! Season 8 Partnership – Salin Plus (available here!)I am so thrilled to be partnering with Salin plus  Especially during hay fever season!! This 100% natural salt therapy device is suitable for both adults and children! Tune in to learn more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.