September 2, 2007 | Sex & Society

A President who finally understands us

"Homosexuality is a discovery, not a decision, and for many it is a discovery which is made against a backdrop where, within their immediate circle of family and friends as well as the wider society, they have long encountered anti-gay attitudes which will do little to help them deal openly and healthily with their own sexuality." These were the words of Ireland's President, Mary McAleese, as she addressed the International Association of Suicide Prevention Conference in Killarney.

Proving world leaders can be open and sensitive to queer issues, McAleese, a Roman Catholic, challenged her constituents to help combat the "bias and hostility which young gay people must find deeply hurtful and inhibiting." 40 percent of the 500 annual suicides in Ireland are by young men; this may be an important step in lowering that number significantly.

President Bush... we hope you're taking notes!