‘Gender fluid’ RTÉ news host is praised for his bravery

JONATHAN Rachel Clynch’s decision to come out about being ‘gender fluid’ will be an inspiration and encouragement to young people, said LGBT group BeLonG To.

Last week, the RTÉ Radio 1 News At One anchor changed his name on social media to Jonathan Rachel.

The 44-year-old broadcaster has since been widely praised for his decision to publicly identify himself as a gender fluid individual, who sometimes identifies himself more as male and other times as more female.

David Carroll, executive director of BeLonG To, told the Irish Daily Mail last night that Clynch’s move will help many young people too afraid to speak out about their sexual orientation. He said: ‘When high profile people or people in the public eye take the brave step, where we see the value is that young people see it as an affirmation.

‘Seeing the diversity of their lives is very affirming for young people.

‘Jonathan was being identified on gender fluid spectrum and we certainly find that with those we work with, we know people are coming out more than ever before.

‘Our youth workers notice an increase of young people who used terms like “gender fluid” and in the case of Jonathan Rachel, understanding trans identifies the understanding of gay and lesbian issues.

‘Every single person who speaks out adds to our understanding and in our experience, every public figure talking about LGBT issues or sexual orientation, generally speaks to a young person.

‘And if that person is a newscaster, it sends out a positive message, because there is a fear of rejection among many young people today. ‘The benefit of talking of diversity is that young people see a mirror for themselves.’

Clynch has worked at the State broadcaster for the last 16 years across several departments.

He is currently on annual leave and when he returns to Montrose, will now be referred to as Jonathan Rachel Clynch.

He had planned to speak about the issue on the Marian Finucane show on Saturday but changed his mind when the story broke in a tabloid newspaper.

Brenda Power – Page 12