Irish poet Pádraig Ó Tuama on surviving conversion therapy and becoming a peace negotiator

Pádraig Ó Tuama survived conversion therapy and exorcism as a young gay man in a church in Ireland, then became a leading peace negotiator and a poet.

Pádraig Ó Tuama grew up in the South of Ireland, and spent a long time not knowing quite where he fit in.

He loved poetry, and prayer and talking to people so he decided to become a Priest.

But a realisation about his sexuality began a struggle with his faith and his identity.

Padraig now lives and works in Belfast, where he has helped many groups of people who see themselves as enemies listen to each other's stories.

He's also a host of the podcast Poetry Unbound.

Further information

Padraig's book is called 'Poetry Unbound'

Listen to the podcast Poetry Unbound

To binge even more great episodes of the ‘Conversations podcast’ with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, singers, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.