Crossing the Line Films’ new project ‘Growing Up Gay’ is a two-part documentary series exploring the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people growing up in Ireland. The first episode will screen on RTÉ1 on Monday, April 19th.
As recently as 1993, homosexuality was illegal in Ireland. As the first generation born after decriminalisation comes of age, ‘Growing up Gay’ seeks to establish how much has changed in Irish society in the intervening years. For young people whose lives revolve around school and the family is it any easier to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender today than it was 17 years ago?
Filmed over 18 months, the ‘Growing Up Gay’ production team followed the lives of six young people and, in the process, captured the challenging and even hostile experiences which lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people face in their everyday lives. The series also looks to explore the more universal experiences of growing up - from the ups and downs of life at home and at school, to friendships and falling in love. By presenting the human stories behind labels such as 'gay' or 'lesbian', the series looks to alleviate the stigma surrounding various expressions of sexual identity.
‘Growing up Gay’ is directed Aoife Kelleher (No Frontiers), produced by Anna Rodgers (Today is Better than Two Tomorrows) with John Murray as executive producer. The series’ director of photography is Richard Kendrick (Cromwell in Ireland) and it is edited by Colm O'Brien (DIY Dads)
The first part of the series broadcasts on Monday, April 19th at 9.35pm on RTÉ1.
