Mother whose son identifies as female says families need more support
A woman whose son who identifies as female says families of transgender people need more support.
Catherine Cross from the Transgender Equality Network was speaking at the launch of the Gender Identity Family Support Line, the first of its kind in Ireland.
The volunteer-led service will operate twice a month starting from this Sunday between 6 and 9pm.
Catherine Cross says a helpline would have been a great help when her son was transitioning.
She said: "It was something I kept very secret, trying to support my child, my family knew there was something amiss and I wasn't able to confide in them.
It would have been wonderful if I'd have been able to pick up the phone and speak to somebody anonymously, a listening ear that would understand the struggle I was going through.
"It can be very isolating."
The country's first ever helpline for family members of people who are transgender is being launched today.
The initiative from LGBT Ireland and the Transgender Equality Network will also be a resource to support people who do not identify as a particular gender.
The volunteer-led service will operate twice a month starting this Sunday between 6pm and 9pm.
TENI's Catherine Cross has a son who is transitioning, says the helpline will be a useful tool.
She said: "We are hoping that parents and family members might be able to reach out and get support at the end of the phone line from somebody who understands the challenges this may be putting on a family dynamic."
