TENI has launched an open letter for the public to sign to show support for appropriate, accessible and timely healthcare for trans people in Ireland.

TENI shared the open letter on Twitter; it reads:

“Recently, a lot of attention has been focused on healthcare for trans people. Often this commentary is unhelpful and even damaging. The media is not the appropriate space for this discussion. Every trans person has the right to essential healthcare. This is not up for debate.

“Trans people deserve appropriate, accessible and timely healthcare; care that is person-centred and based on international best practice. Ireland’s healthcare system is not meeting the needs of our community. This has a negative impact on our mental wellbeing. We are waiting too long, we are navigating an often inaccessible system and our identities are being questioned.

“This must change.

“A lot of work must be done to make this change happen. TENI is committed to doing that work. We are participating in the HSE Transgender Identity Service Steering Committee, which aims to develop a seamless and integrated service for transgender people in Ireland. Since TENI began, we have, and will continue to, engage with all necessary stakeholders, not least the trans community itself, to ensure that we achieve the change we need to see.

“TENI was founded by our community to serve our community, and we will continue to advocate on its behalf. In many respects, Ireland can be proud of the rights it has afforded its trans citizens. Many countries look to us as a role model. We believe that Ireland can also lead the way in healthcare. You can help us to make this belief a reality. The time for change is now.”

Show your support for a better healthcare service for trans people by signing your name and/or your organisation’s name on the letter.

The letter has already been signed by several organisations including Stonewall UK, National LGBT Federation, NCAD, ESB and OutLaw Network.

Signing takes ten seconds, sign here.