• Ian was born on May 9, 1996. While raised believing Frank Gallagher was his father, he later discovers his biological father is actually Gary Bennett (the result of an affair between his mother, Monica, and Gary in the 1980s/1990s), or Clayton Gallagher depending on early continuity, though Frank remains the dysfunctional adoptive/legal father figure. • Family Dynamics: He is the third of the Gallagher children, growing up alongside siblings Fiona, Lip, Debbie, Carl, and Liam in a chaotic, neglectful, and impoverished household. He shares a particularly close bond with his older brother, Lip. • Early Secrecy: At the start of the series, Ian is a closeted gay teenager working at a local convenience store owned by his older, married boss, Kash. Mental Health & Major Arcs • Bipolar Disorder: Ian inherits bipolar disorder from his mother, Monica. he is also 15 years old