At the age of 16, Duffy began a relationship with poet Adrian Henri, living with him until 1982.[44] Duffy later met poet Jackie Kay, with whom she had a 15-year relationship.[44][45] During her relationship with Kay, Duffy gave birth to a daughter, Ella (born 1995), whose biological father is fellow poet Peter Benson.[44][46]
Raised in her parents' Roman Catholic faith, Duffy became an atheist when she was 15. However, she has spoken of the influence her religious upbringing has had on her poetry, stating: "Poetry and prayer are very similar."[47]
She is a lesbian.[48]
