This morning, 6th October, a roundtable discussion of education partners and NGOs working with young transgender people is taking place in the Department of Education and Skills.
The event was organised by Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan, TD, and is being hosted by Kevin Humphreys, TD, Minister for Employment, Community and Social Support.
Speaking in advance of the event, Minister O’Sullivan said:
“Young transgender people are a particularly vulnerable group and require appropriate support in all situations, including in schools. The policies, practices and climate in schools can support and nurture young transgender students so that they do not feel isolated and alone.
“There are many areas that require discussion on this matter such as bullying, uniform issues, entry into or continuation in a single sex school. The roundtable discussion this morning will trigger a conversation amongst all of those involved in education – many of these issues will need to be figured out at school levels. I hope that the discussion today will build on the compulsory anti-bullying procedures which have been put in place in all schools, and which explicitly require that schools tackle homophobic and transphobic bullying.”
Minister Humphreys added:
“I want to extend my thanks to those from outside the education sector who are here to inform this discussion this morning, including BeLonG To Youth Services, the Children’s Rights Alliance, Transgender Equality Network Ireland, and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. Each of these bodies has been involved in advocating for the rights of young transgender people, and will provide the education partners with concrete examples of how support for this vulnerable cohort can be built into the school system.
“I was privileged to take the Gender Recognition legislation through both Houses of the Oireachtas and see it through to being enacted into law. This legislation provides the legal framework for people who wish to have their preferred gender choice recognised. It is a milestone for equality in Irish society. But we need to build on that legislative framework, and ensure that schools, just like all other bodies, are welcoming and supportive of people who identify as transgender. I welcome the Department of Education’s initiative and I am confident that it will make a very positive difference to many young transgender people.”
ENDS