Welcome Video

Why "Greenbow" and not "Rainbow"?

Initially we were called Rainbow, but since other Deaf organisations were already using this name, we changed it to avoid confusion. We borrowed the "Green" from St. Patrick's Day, to replace "Rain".

What does LGBT stand for?

LGBT stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender. Like many other LGBT organisations, Greenbow is inclusive and embraces the diversity of all of the LGBT people who make up our wonderful, creative, inspired and imaginative community!

What does bisexuality mean?

A bisexual person is someone who is sexually attracted to both men and women. It is something that can vary with each person. A bisexual person might have a relationship with either a man or a woman.

What is the difference between Transgender, Transsexual and Cross-dressers?

Transsexuals are people who have surgery to change their birth sex. Cross-dressers are people (often straight) who enjoy dressing up (or dragging up) as the opposite sex. Sometimes this is for sexual pleasure, sometimes for a more generalised sense of fulfilment and sometimes it is simply for entertainment on the stage. Transgender is an umbrella term and it covers all of the above. It is also used to describe people who live and conform to their preferred sex but do not have surgery. It also describes people who do not identify strictly as one gender, as defined by society, but a mixture of both, male and female.

Can LGBT hearing people and straight people become members of Greenbow?

Yes, we welcome hearing LGBT people who are able to sign fluently. They can become associate members. As for straight members, they can be "supporters" rather than associate members.

Does Greenbow have a youth group for under 18's?

No, Greenbow’s membership is only available to people who are 18 and over. There is a youth organisation called BelongTo, which is has membership for LGBT people aged 13 to 23.

Does Greenbow offer a counselling service?

No, Greenbow does not have the resources to provide counselling. However, we can refer you to a professional, freelance Deaf counsellor, who lives in Dublin. Another option is we can refer you to an LGBT youth counsellor, in which case an interpreter would be necessary.

What is legal age for gay sex?

In Ireland, the legal age for gay people to have sex is the same as it is for straight people: 17 years of age. This became law in 1993. In other countries this legal age varies.

Is it true that gay, lesbian and bisexual people get HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like straight people?

Yes, lesbian and gay people do get HIV and other STIs. There are a variety of different STIs out there including HIV. It is very important for gay men to always use a condom to have safer sex. The Gay Men's Health Project runs a regular clinic where you can be tested for HIV. This service is free of charge.  Also please see our Men’s and Women’s health section under the heading “Health” on the home page.

What are Drag Kings and Drag Queens?

A Drag King is a lesbian who dresses up like a man, usually for fun, or stage performance. A Drag Queen is a gay man who dresses up like a woman, again, usually for fun, or stage performance. It’s another way that our community expresses its humour and creativity!