I’ve no time for an Taoiseach (head of the only significant party that opposed both marriage equality and abortion legislation) but he’s a political animal. As evidenced by his party’s flip-flop on both issues after the electorate showed them how badly they’d misjudged modern Ireland in the referenda.
But that’s the point…that’s why this article fills me with hope. He’s not looking to stoke the kind of culture war being waged next door or across the pond because he knows there’s no public opposition to trans rights in Ireland beyond the usual fringe minority of bigots.
UK TERFs tried to green face and import their agenda into Irish Twitter & were resoundingly told to fuck off. The Irish National Party threw transphobia onto their election platform alongside anti-immigration, pro-life, Euro-skeptic .etc and didn’t win a single seat.
I’ve said it before. Ireland’s fight for social justice was too recent. We remember the same arguments against contraception, divorce, LGBT rights & abortion access. We see the exact same ones in the anti-immigration & transphobic movements now. And we know that after trans people they’ll be used again to target those other groups.
Belong To are doing a survey about accessing Gender Affirming Healthcare for 14-30 year olds so if anyone can spare 20 minutes this would be a great help. As we all know the wait is long and the process is unnecessarily invasive so maybe this will help change that.
EDIT: the survey has now closed. Thanks everyone for your support! Hopefully it’ll help being about well needed change!
DATING AMBER (2020)
dir. David Freyne
It's 1995 in The Curragh, Ireland. Outsiders Eddie and Amber, two teenagers distraught over persistent homophobic abuse, decide to hide their sexuality from the rural Irish town in which they live by pretending to be a heterosexual couple.
(link in title)
On May 22, 2015, Ireland made history by becoming the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage through a popular vote. This groundbreaking moment was a monumental victory for the LGBT community and a powerful testament to the nation's unwavering commitment to equality and human rights. With an overwhelming majority, the Irish people showed their resounding support for love and inclusivity, paving the way for a more just and compassionate society.
//Punk musician and activist Ash Jones says becoming the first openly trans elected representative in Ireland would send a clear message that transgender people aren’t “hiding away”.
Jones has been active in politics for a while, but only recently decided to put herself forward as a Green Party council candidate for West Belfast’s Colin district. //