In 2015 we changed what it means to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) in Ireland with two historic steps - a resounding Yes in support of marriage equality by popular vote (and subsequent legislation) and the introduction of some of the most progressive Gender Recognition legislation in the world. Since then youth groups, schools, and other support services have witnessed a huge increase in the number of young people ‘coming out’ as they report a greater sense of being respected and protected by the State and a greater sense of acceptance and support from Irish people.
Equal recognition sends a strong message to LGBTI+ people that we are equal citizens, we are valued, and we belong. As well as equal status, it also addresses the practical realities of citizens’ lives such as protections for families and access to identification. We know that unfortunately it does not end the anti-LGBTI+ stigma that is deeply rooted in Irish society. LGBTI+ people continue to experience social exclusion, isolation, fear of rejection, bullying, and violence because of who they are. Legislation must be supported with further work around awareness and education to change hearts, minds, and behaviour.
My work in BeLonG To Youth Services has taught me that life for young transgender and non-binary people in Ireland can be incredibly challenging. This is due to the lack of visibility, awareness or understanding about what it means to be transgender or non-binary. I have heard from young people, parents, and teachers about some of these challenges including not being allowed to use their preferred name or pronoun at home or in school, not being able to access appropriate healthcare and support (including mental healthcare). The LGBTIreland report found that 1 in 4 transgender and intersex people have been punched, hit or physically attacked in public. Attacks such as these, and other violent acts, are sadly also still happening in our schools1 . The most worrying accounts are about the impacts these challenges have on our young people. Severe mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, as well as self-harm and suicidal ideation, are frequently part of transgender young peoples’ lives.
We must ask ourselves – do we want another generation of people in Ireland spending their 20s, 30s and beyond recovering from their early experiences of bullying, rejection and exclusion? That is, if they are resilient enough to make it to adulthood? Or do we want all our young people to thrive, to reach their full potential, and to be part of a world where they are equal, safe, and valued in the diversity of their identities and experiences?
The Review
When we began this process in late November 2017, we marked the 25th anniversary of Ireland’s ratification of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and witnessed the publication of the Yogyakarta Principles Plus 10. It was also a year when some members of the Review Group worked on the LGBTI+ Youth Strategy with Minister Zappone and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. This Gender Recognition Act review report has been informed by all of these milestones for LGBTI+ young people in Ireland, and is underpinned by the principle that children have their own inalienable rights as enshrined in our Constitution and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
I am very grateful to Minister Regina Doherty for her leadership in this review of the Gender Recognition Act. I was honoured to be appointed Chairperson of the Gender Recognition Act Review group and grateful for the opportunity to guide and support the expert team of representatives from civil society, academia, social work, youth participation, and relevant Government Departments. I am also grateful to all my colleagues on the Review Group for their commitment and dedication over the past six months and for coming on this journey. We learnt together, from each other, from submissions and consultations, and we are very proud of our work and to deliver this deliberated report to the Minister with recommendations for her consideration. In particular, I would like to thank Séamus Byrne and Sara Phillips for sharing their lived expertise with the group and for their gracious patience as we discussed issues and proposals that relate personally to their own lives. It is my hope that all future reviews of legislation will take Minister Doherty’s lead and include expert voices from the communities of people whose lives are directly affected.
Thank you also to the secretariat in the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection for all their work to support me and the group and for bringing this report together.
While our remit was solely in relation to the Gender Recognition Act, matters in relation to schools, healthcare, equality legislation, intersex genital mutilation and safe spaces (to name a few) are some other issues that were raised in the course of this review. They will be highlighted with Minister David Stanton for the Department of Justice’s upcoming LGBTI+ Strategy.
I am very grateful to everyone who presented a submission to the Group and to everyone who met us with us to answer our questions and help us deliberate, especially the young people who shared their personal stories and experiences.
During the course of the review process, we heard on a number of occasions that young trans people do not just wake up one morning and decide that they want to change their legal gender. This happens after a period of social transition, living in their preferred gender. What is clear from the young trans and non-binary people that we heard from, however is that having access to legal gender recognition will have a hugely positive impact on their self-esteem, self-worth, and well-being. We hope our work will help move Ireland along this journey and that very soon trans, non-binary and intersex people/people with variations of sex characteristics will all feel equal, respected and that they belong.
Moninne Griffith Executive
Director, BeLonG To Youth Services
31 May 2018