TENI is a non-profit member-driven organisation, founded in 2006 and registered as a company limited by guarantee in February 2010.

Despite significant progress in the past years, Ireland remains a place where it is difficult for trans people to lead safe, healthy and integrated lives. TENI is dedicated to ending transphobia, including stigma, discrimination and inequality.

TENI engages in activities that promote the equality and well-being of trans people in Ireland. We work nationally in four main areas: healthcare, employment, education and legislation. There are three strands to our work: Advocacy, Education, and Support.

Resources & information

TENI has many helpful resources on their website, including, but not limited to:

• information on gender identity and being trans for LGBTQ+ people, families, allies, and medical practitioners
• Guides on applying for a gender recognition certificate
• Information on trans healthcare and available mental health supports
• A database of research and reports relevant to trans people in Ireland

Support

TENI offers trans persons and their loved ones 1-to-1 support and guidance in person, via zoom or on the phone.

They offer advice and guidance in relation to gender recognition, healthcare pathway options, workplaces and signposting to other services; and work closely with service providers, workplaces and other organisations who serve or work directly with trans people to provide guidance and support.

TENI provides a list of trans peer support groups on their website.

The Trans Femme Social Club meets weekly and is a relaxed atmosphere for trans women and femmes 18+ to socialise with each other. Tea, coffee and biscuits is our usual vibe but the group is self directed so if you have a good idea for an event get involved. You can contact the group via email at [email protected] to find out more.

The Trans Peer Support Group is a peer support group for transgender, nonbinary and questioning adults. Our meetings take place on the first and third Wednesday of the month from 7 – 9pm. You can get in ouch via phone at +353 (0)1 873 3575, or via email at [email protected]

TENI also runs a Transgender Family Support Line at 01 907 3707, on a Sunday evening from 6-9pm and a Tuesday morning from 10am-12pm.

This is a listening and signposting service for family members of trans people. It is run by volunteers who are parents of trans people. It is a great service for parents who want to talk to other parents and who might not be ready to reach out to TENI or join a support group yet.

Education and Training

TENI offer training to workplaces, schools, universities, healthcare providers, hospitality and other service providers.

Our standard Trans 101 training covers language use and terminology including cisgender, transgender, and non-binary; name and pronoun changes; the healthcare and legal contexts in Ireland; transphobia and bullying; and trans allyship and active inclusion at individual and service level.

Our primary and post-primary training sessions look at the specific contexts and experiences of transgender young people in Ireland and covers gender identity development in young people, mental and physical health, socialising, and other areas.

The primary focus of the training is exploring how a school can support a young person and families during this time, name and pronoun use, preventing bullying, and practical considerations around uniforms, bathrooms and school trips.

Contact [email protected] to book a training.