Yesterday, the May 30, gender surgeon Dr. Sidhbh Gallagher and members of grassroots campaign group This Is Me met with Minister for Health Simon Harris and representatives from the HSE and the Department of Health to discuss the issues faced by the trans and non-binary community seeking healthcare in Ireland.

This Is Me are dedicated to the provision of “adequate, safe and best practise access to healthcare for all transgender and non-binary people in Ireland”, and reported that the Minister took the struggles experienced by TINB (Transgender, Intersex and Non-Binary) people daily due to constraints imposed by the Irish healthcare system “very seriously”.

Harris has now developed a steering committee to explore issue further, and a full report on problems in the system along with possible solutions is expected before the end of this year. This Is Me member Noah Halpin himself has been given the opportunity to serve in the committee.

First multi-event Trans Pride NI kicks off

To further fuel reason for insurgent celebration, the first multi-event Trans Pride in Northern Ireland begins this evening at 6pm in the Minor Hall of the Non-Subscribing First Presbyterian Church with a discussion entitled ‘Safety and Trans Pride’. It will include topics such as confidence building and safety and support for TINB people.

The event has been organised by Trans Pride NI, a volunteer-run charity committed to gender equality for all transgender, non-binary, intersex and gender-questioning people. Member Michael Steven told the Belfast Telegraph that they “look forward to families, friends and community groups attending this celebration to support trans rights and those of the wider LGBT+ community” and affirmed that trans rights are human rights.

The main parade will begin at Buoy Park on York Street tomorrow, June 1 at 12pm, when marchers will parade the city of Belfast. Speakers at the event will include nascent Lord Mayor John Finucane and Dr. Sidhbh Gallagher, who will reflect on her work with gender affirmation surgery. Along with this, performers Quire LGBT Singers, Victoria Carrett and Onya Banks will provide entertainment for the march.

The Non-Subscribing First Presbyterian Church on Rosemary Street will act as the main venue for the event, hosting talks including one on Transphobia and Religion, and a Trans Information Exchange of stands staffed by the PSNI, Unite the Union, Queerspace, Trans Pride NI, the Civil Service and the Department for Communities. Furthermore, an art exhibition will allow attendees to reflect on their own personal experiences relating to trans struggle.