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?
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people. Like many other LGBT organisations, Greenbow is inclusive and embraces the diversity of 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 itís simply for entertainment on the stage. Transgender is an umbrella term and covers all of the above. It also is 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.
Do Greenbow accept hearing LGBT people and straight people, and can they become members?
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 is for over people who are 18 and over. There is a youth organisation called BelongTo, which is there for LGBT people aged 13 to 23. BelongTo are based at Outhouse.
Does Greenbow offer services such as counselling?
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 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 Diseases (STDs) like straight people?
Yes, lesbian and gay people do get HIV and other STDs. There are a variety of different STDs out there including HIV. It is very important for gay men to always use a condom to have safe sex. The Gay Men's Health Project runs a regular clinic where you can be tested for HIV. This service is free of charge.
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. Drag Queen is a gay man who dresses up like a woman, again, usually for fun, or stage performance. Another way that our community expresses its humour and creativity!!
