Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh has been inundated by young gay people who have been helped by her coming out.
The American, 27, became the first winner of the contest to announce they were a lesbian in its history.
And Maria discovered that it has helped young people who otherwise were “not comfortable” with talking about their sexuality.
Family: Maria with her parents and siblings | VIPIRELAND.COM
She told the Irish Times: “The positives overwhelmingly outweighed the negatives. So many people reached out.
“I’ve gotten handwritten letters to my workplace. My parents got phone calls and were stopped on the street just so people could say ‘Fair play’.
“I’ve been inundated with messages saying that it became a conversation point for younger people who are not [otherwise] comfortable talking about their sexuality with family or friends.”
Winner: Maria after taking trophy
And Maria believes it may now help people see the Rose of Tralee as being more modern.
She added: “The Rose of Tralee is always looking for ways to celebrate women, and it’s far more modern than people give it credit for.
“Some people don’t see that. I understand the Father Ted-isms, but if calling us ‘lovely ladies’ is the most negative thing someone can say about the festival, then I’ll take that.”
