What happens when a 13-year-old boy gives his dad the courage to change his life forever?
On this episode of The Parting Glass, I'm joined by Finglas man Mark Dunne and his son Ross for an incredibly honest, moving and uplifting conversation about family, identity, acceptance and finding the courage to be yourself.
Mark grew up in a BIG family, one of twelve children, and has always been the outgoing life and soul of the party. A proud dad of three, Mark spent years living a life that, on the outside, looked happy and settled. But there was one part of himself he had never found the courage to share.
Five years ago, his then 13-year-old son Ross sat him down and told him he was gay. What Ross didn't realise was that his honesty would inspire his dad to confront a truth he had kept hidden for years. Mark was gay too.
At 44, Mark finally came out to his children, family and friends and began living life on his own terms.
We talk about the fear of coming out later in life, the reactions of family and friends, the freedom of finally being yourself, and finding love again. Now engaged to his first boyfriend, Stephen, Mark shares the excitement of planning their future while navigating a long-distance relationship.
Mark also opens up about becoming a voice of support for others in the LGBTQ+ community, sharing his everyday life, humour and honesty with his growing TikTok following, The Life of Mark.
And Ross joins us to share his side of a story that proves sometimes the courage of a child can change a parent's life.
One conversation. Two coming-out journeys. A whole lot of courage, love and acceptance.
A powerful reminder that it's never too late to be who you truly are, and never too late to find happiness.
This is one conversation you won't want to miss.
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