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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
Entertainment
Laura Lyne

Ireland reacts as Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian share surrogacy journey in RTE documentary

Brian Dowling and his partner Arthur Gourounlian have shared an intimate look into their surrogacy journey as part of a new RTE documentary.

And Irish viewers had a very emotional reaction as they gave a close insight to the birth of their beautiful daughter Blake. They have faced legal battles and legislation that presented issues including Brian's sister Aoife being named as mother on Blake's birth certificate.

But Aoife is not Blake's biological mother. The couple used a donor egg and Aoife has more legal rights when it comes to Blake than her biological father.

Read more: Ex-Big Brother star Brian Dowling suffered 'outrageous' trolling after birth of baby

And tonight Brian and Arthur shared the very personal and life-changing moment when Blake was born. They also gave an insight in to their life with little Blake.

One supporter said: "Congratulations to Brian and Arthur and Aoife! Such a wonderful story! And seeing all the vermin crawling out from under their rocks to insult them is a sign that unfortunately hatred and evil is still very much alive in this country."

While another added: "Watching #verymodernfamily on @RTEOne now. Just beautiful. It also is a reminder that the triumph of Love is at the heart of so many #LGBT Irish stories. Things have gotten very "shouty" in recent times and we need to remember the message of #Love ultimately does conquer all."

Many also praised Aoife Dowling, Brian's sister, who carried Blake for her brother and his partner. She was called "amazing" by a lot of supporters.

One said: "Aoife is so amazing. The loo love Brian & Arthur have for their daughter long before she was even born is so beautiful to watch. Blake is a lucky girl."

While another added: "Brian's sister is incredible."

Brian told RSVP Live: "RTÉ contacted us more or less straight away and we sat down and met with them. We were very interested in sharing our story as two gay men in Ireland. At that point there was no legislation regarding surrogacy and we wanted to show that this process wasn’t easy and it was a struggle."

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