Cork county libraries are offering to change the details of account holders who are waiting on Gender Recognition Certificates.
The move is to show solidarity with the local transgender community and to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility on 31st March.
It will see libraries offer an interim (to be verified once libraries re-open) change of library account details service for any transgender or gender diverse person across Cork county who is waiting to receive, or who has received their Gender Recognition Cert.
A dedicated phone service has been set up exclusively for Transgender Day of Visibility and will be answered by library staff who have received gender identity awareness training.
The initiative has been welcomed by Jack Fitzgerald from Gender Rebels Cork.
“At the beginning of coming out, many trans people don’t have anything with their name on it,” Jack explained. “The first time seeing it printed is a powerful moment. Recent LGBTQI+ awareness training by Gay Project and Gender Rebels Cork for Library staff highlighted the challenges faced by transgender and gender diverse people on their transition journey.
“It can be empowering for a transgender person when they are recognised by their true name. However, the legal changing of a person’s name and gender information can be a costly and time-consuming process.”
To celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility, any transgender or gender diverse person across Cork county can contact us on March 31st to join the library or update their membership info to reflect their preferred gender & name. More at https://t.co/N4ZUpp6mUY#TDOV pic.twitter.com/xwRzZDpO2P
— Cork County Council Library & Arts Service (@corkcolibrary) March 29, 2021
“Inclusivity is at the heart of the Cork County Council Library & Arts Service ethos,” said Emer O’Brien, Cork County Librarian. “As part of this ethos, we are delighted to play our part in recognising International Transgender Visibility Day on the 31st of March and supporting the transgender and gender diverse community of Cork county.”
Dedicated Library staff will be on hand to take calls on 31st March at the following branches:
- Bandon Library (023) 8844830
- Kinsale Library (021) 4774266
- Bantry Library (027) 50460
- Mallow Library (022) 21821
- Mobile Library Service (086) 4603287
- Youghal Library (024) 93459
© 2021 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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