Launched yesterday by Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection Regina Doherty at the college’s Dublin headquarters, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) gender identity and gender expression policy was developed following broad consultation with the faculty and staff.

Front-line staff and the senior management team attended training sessions on transgender issues in the past two months, which the college said was key to helping it to effectively implement a policy that, according to the lead author of the policy, Dr. Caroline Kelleher, welcomed an ”inclusive learning and working environment for students and staff who are trans or gender non-conforming”.

“We also wish to ensure a safe, healthy and comfortable space to develop gender identity and/or gender expression, free from fear of discrimination or transphobia,” Dr. Kelleher added.

In 2015, the Irish government introduced the Gender Recognition Act, which enables trans people to be formally recognised in their preferred gender for all purposes by the Irish State.

The Royal College of Surgeons policy supports the right of transgender and gender non-conforming students to express their gender identity without fear of consequences or harassment. It also includes best practice around facilitating transition.

Issues of privacy and confidentiality are also included, and it is clarified that outing a trans person without the individual’s permission is a form of harassment.