Out & Proud presenter Trevor Keegan is discussing key moments and milestones in life through the LGBTQI+ experience.
Esther and Sinéad Huggins-Young are currently expecting their first baby, they spoke to Trevor about their road to parenthood, the importance of inclusivity at work and in healthcare settings and how the hormonal rollercoaster associated with IVF gave rise to alter-ego "Gretchin".
The fact that Esther and Sinéad underwent IVF treatment in an Irish fertility clinic means that they'll both be registered as parents on their baby’s birth cert, however, this is not the case for children in every same-sex family.
Ranae von Meding, mum of three and CEO of Equality for Children explained what the legal landscape looks like currently, particularly in light of legislation passed at the end of June. She also shared the psychological burden placed on parents who are legal strangers to their children and the real-world implications this can have.
Finally, with the number of children needing foster care on the rise, and the number of foster carers decreasing, Trevor spoke to Tommy*, who is currently fostering, about what’s involved, the positive impact this unique relationship can have on the child, carer and wider community and he confronts outdated stereotypes that can prevent some members of the LGBTQI+ community from pursuing this type of parenting.
Listen to Out & Proud,Tuesday nights at 10pm on RTÉ Radio 1 and the RTÉ Radio app or anytime, wherever you get your podcasts.
*Name has been changed
