The overwhelming final response of parents who discovered their child was gay was one of support and love, according to Dr Tom Moffatt, Minister of State for Health and Children.
He was launching a booklet, If Your Child is Gay or Lesbian, by the group Parents Support at the Equality Authority yesterday.
Written by a group of parents of gay children, the booklet is in a question-and-answer format, and includes personal testimonies from parents and children about how they dealt with the issue.
"It gives the experiences of young people who grappled with the burden of disclosure to their parents," said Dr Moffatt. "The main message coming through the booklet is that help is available and that there are organisations and helplines which may be contacted."
He pointed out that the Department of Health had had links with gay and lesbian groups for a number of years. The booklet is published with the support of the Department and Waterford Regional Youth Service.