Real Talk 19th June 2020 by Denise Curtin

Ireland Stars Katie And Reusha Share Their Experience Of Coming Out Publicly

This month marks one year since Katie McCabe and Ruesha Littlejohn announced they were a couple.

 

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As June is Pride month and this weekend marks the beginning of the Pride celebrations in Dublin, events which this year will be held virtually due to the coronavirus, we’re celebrating everything we love about the LGBTQ+ community and sharing some incredible stories too.

One couple who are excited to mark their one year anniversary since publicly coming out, is Ireland senior international stars Katie McCabe and Ruesha Littlejohn.

Coming out as a couple last year, Katie and Ruesha explained to STELLAR how their decision was a “no brainer”.

“It has been really good” explained Katie. “We’ve received no negativity since coming out and it was a no brainer, really. We’re very comfortable in who we are and the whole experience was great. It was also incredible to see how it touched a lot of people’s lives. I got a lot of DMs from people saying how our story helped them with their own, and other messages from people who said they’re still working on the courage to do the same.”

Sharing advice for those who are looking for the confidence and the support to come out, Ruesha explained that there’s always someone there to talk to.

“The longer you hold it in, the harder it is. You’ll start to think negatively. Even if you feel like you’ve nobody in your family and friends to talk to, there is someone who will listen to you and help you, because there’s so much support out there.”

Recent findings from national survey ‘LGBTI+ Life in Lockdown’, conducted by BeLonG To Youth Services, revealed that 93% of LGBTI+ youth are struggling with anxiety, stress or depression during COVID-19 in comparison to 53% of the general youth population, showing the essential need for increased digital youth work during this unprecedented time. BeLonG To Youth Services have a nationwide directory of groups for LGBTI+ young people – stretching across the country you can find details and phone numbers of people to talk to here if you’re struggling, or know someone who could do with some extra support.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel. It takes time but once you come out you will be happy, you will be proud,” added Ruesha.

For the moment both Katie and Ruesha are busy training however, they said there’s no doubt they will be joining in on the virtual celebrations this year and celebrating with everybody online.

Coming out last year during Aviva’s #SafeToDream campaign, both Katie and Reusha are back working with the brand this year, encouraging people to take part in the digital celebrations and shine a light from their homes to #LightUp4Pride on social media.

Again, if you or anyone you know of is looking for extra help with their sexuality or just needs someone to talk to this month, or any month, you can find a list of services and helplines for the LGBTQ+ community here.

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