Her Hero Of The Week… Irish Dad’s Wonderful Response To Daughter Coming Out

Ever wondered where all the good men are gone? Or where are all the gods? So have we. It’s that time of the week again, ladies… This week’s #HerHeroOfTheWeek goes to one Dad from Co. Dublin. Louise Duffy contacted us a few weeks back to nominate her father as the #HerHero for one very special reason. A few weeks ago the harrowing story of a young male in the US coming out went viral due to the horrible response from his parents. Since the video made headlines, many folk have posted their support to the teen, with a funding page set up to help him with rent etc. It's a story like that that makes this next one so truly lovely. Louise describes her father, who hails from Finglas, as "your typical Dublin man" with seven brothers that "comes across as hard as nails but really he's a big softy on the inside". When Louise got into a relationship with her girlfriend a year and a half ago, she was terrified as to what the response would be from her Dad, an army man of 25 years. Louise writes: "A year and a half ago I got into a serious relationship with my first girlfriend. Not out to anyone in my family, I was very afraid to come out to anyone". After almost a year, Louise had revealed the truth to everyone but her father. She knew now that it was time. "Terrified of his reaction," she continued, "the only way I could tell my Dad was through a letter. "I wrote a letter explaining my secret and why I was keeping it from him for so long. After many sleepless night of worrying my Mam gave him the letter. Then one cold night on my way home from work I got a phone call from my Dad, my hands were shaking answering the phone to speak to him. "The response I got was more then I could have ever hoped for, he said 'you're still my daughter, I love you and whatever makes you happy is fine with me and if anyone has anything else to say they'll have to deal with me'. I will never forget that day as long as I live. I have the most amazing relationship with my Dad and he loves my girlfriend. He is the kindest, most loving and caring man in the world and is and always will be my hero". Louise attached this photograph with her email. Here she is pictured taking a selfie with her Dad as her girlfriend makes a sneaky appearance in the background. Mr Duffy, you've just managed to melt the hearts of the entire Her Team and rightly earned a position as this week's Her Hero! Do you know a HERO? Ladies, every week we will select one complete gentleman to be Her Hero, not without your help of course… How can you help? Send an image of someone you think is an absolute hero, and if we agree, your entry will get a very deserving and coveted place. He doesn’t have to be fast, he doesn’t necessarily have to be brave, or have ever been involved in a fight in his life… but it may help. The picture can be anything, a nice gesture from your boyfriend (providing you have one), a text from your Dad or friend, or even someone lovely you happen to meet on the street. Surprise us! Send your potential Her Heroes to [email protected] or use the #HerHeroOfTheWeek on Twitter.