For the launch of LGBT Helpline’s Heart2Heart Campaign, six people in Ireland, of different ages and backgrounds give their younger selves advice about coming out.

LGBT Helpline launched the video today (October 8) with the help of well known LGBT faces in Ireland including Rory O’Neill, Anna Nolan, Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh and Senator Katherine Zappone.

Speaking from today’s launch, Coordinator of the LGBT Helpline, Paula Fagan, said, “We are delighted to have attracted such high-profile support for the #heart2heart’ campaign, and hope that this video will help us to shine a light on the importance of National Coming Out Day, which takes place this Saturday, October 11.

“The idea for the video came about from a discussion we were having in the office about what we would say if we could have a heart-to-heart with our younger selves about ‘coming out’ and the benefits that living openly has brought to our lives.

“We were very conscious that the video should feature a good mix of people and experiences, so that as many people as possible could relate to it.  People often associate the process of ‘coming out’ exclusively with younger people but, in fact, people of all ages come out in many different ways.

“While the video itself is quite light-hearted, it also addresses the often daunting process of coming out, whether it is to a family member, friend, spouse or loved one.  It’s important to remember that the process of coming out applies not only to LGBT people themselves, but also to their families and friends. The people featured in the video acknowledge this and discuss the stress and worry that this can cause.

“We are delighted with how #heart2heart has turned out.  We all know that talking about problems and fears helps to deal with difficult situations and I think this is a message that comes across really well in the video.

Over the coming days, LGBT helpline are encouraging people to watch and share the video, and also to share their own stories and memories of coming out on Twitter, using the hashtag #heart2heart.