SOME 113 TRANS people have been legally recognised in Ireland since the Gender Recognition Act was introduced six months ago.
The then Tánaiste and Social Protection Minister Joan Burton signed the act into law in September 2015, after a 17-year legal battle by transgender woman Lydia Foy.
Speaking today, Transgender Equality Network Ireland (Teni) chief executive Broden Giambrone said: ”Ireland is unique in that our legal recognition process is simple, straightforward and accessible.
“We are one of just six countries in the world that expressly allow trans people to self-determine their legal gender.
This has been a significant moment for the trans community in Ireland. We now exist in the eyes of the law.
The Department of Social Protection has said three gender recognition certificates have been issued to people aged 16 or 17 years.
“We know the process of attaining legal recognition for individuals under 18 years of age is quite difficult. However, we are heartened to know that three young people have been able to be formally recognised for who they are,” Giambrone stated.
The Gender Recognition Act includes a provision that requires the government to conduct a two-year review of the legislation in 2017.
Giambrone said the act was ”an incredible step forward but it does not go far enough”.
Young trans and intersex persons are not meaningfully included nor are people with non-binary identities. These exclusions must be addressed during the review process.
“Legislative change is incredibly important. However, there is significant work that still needs to be done to combat discrimination and improve healthcare, education and employment for trans people.”
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