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15 JUN 2015
Tánaiste Joins Celebration of Dr Lydia Foy
Friday 12th June, TENI hosted a Community Reception to honour Dr Lydia Foy and Michael Farrell from the Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC) for their decades long work to progress trans rights.
Dr Lydia Foy first asked for her birth certificate in 1993 and has been involved in legal proceedings since 1997, with the support of FLAC. She has become a hero in the trans community for her persistence and integrity. The Community Reception was held as part of TRANS-FUSION, the first ever Trans Pride Weekend in Ireland.
Tánaiste Joan Burton attended the event and her entrance was greeted by a round of applause. She paid an eloquent tribute to Dr Foy's struggle to be legally recognised and spoke positively about the proposed revisions to the Gender Recognition Bill. The Tánaiste also signalled the Government's intent to pass the legislation before the Dáil adjourns for summer. This means that Ireland is now poised to become one of the leaders in this human rights area. Minister Kevin Humphreys, who has played an integral role in progressing the legislation, also attended the celebrations.
"It was wonderful that the Tánaiste Joan Burton and Minister Kevin Humphreys joined us to honour Dr Lydia Foy. It speaks volumes to the high regard in which Lydia is held. She should stand amongst all those who have fought for freedom and equality over the past 100 years. It is time she is honoured for the hero she is," said TENI Chair Sara R. Phillips.
The Gender Recognition Bill is scheduled to go to the Select Sub-committee this Wednesday 17th June. However, concerns about the status of young trans and intersex people remain as they are effectively excluded from the legal gender recognition process. TENI is committed to working with the Government to ensure that young trans and intersex people are meaningfully included and protected.
"We are delighted that the Gender Recognition Bill will shortly become law. This is an incredible step forward for Ireland. On Friday we were afforded an opportunity to look back at how far we've come and honour Lydia and Michael who are true leaders in our community," concluded TENI Chief Executive Broden Giambrone.
ABOUT TRANS-FUSION
TRANS-FUSION was the first Trans Pride Weekend in Ireland and was held from 11-14th June. Over 400 people attended diverse events over the weekend.
ABOUT TENI
Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) seeks to improve conditions and advance the rights and equality of trans people and their families.www.teni.ie
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