Wexford Pride statement of Solidarity with Transgender, Non Binary & Intersex Community impacted by recent UK Court Ruling & Growth in Transphobia Globally

Written By Rían Browne

Wexford Pride would like to join in expressing our solidarity with our Trans community in light of the UK’s recent supreme court ruling and the growing escalation of systematic attacks upon the Transgender and Non Binary community globally in recent weeks and months.

What We Stand For 

As a community-led organisation rooted in values of equality, social justice, and intersectionality, Wexford Pride is committed to working collectively to challenge social injustice and build solidarity in pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable world for all. 

In Ireland we take pride in the significant progress made in advancing LGBTQIA+ rights. In 2015, Ireland created historic change through introducing Gender Recognition Act which, alongside Marriage Equality, recognised trans people’s right to self-determination, allowing trans people’s identity to be recognised by the state. This has been instrumental in affording trans people the ability to pursue a life that aligns with who they are. 

Research conducted by the Hope & Courage Collective (2024)  found that  78% of people agree trans people should have access to the care that they need and 62% believe trans people should have freedom to be themselves. This progress reflects a broader societal understanding that all people, regardless of background, deserve the right to live openly, safely, and authentically.

Facing the Rise in Transphobia 

The alarming rise in transphobia we are witnessing globally threatens to unravel the decade's long advocacy of queer and trans people to progress social change, equality and inclusion for our community. This hate is driven by actors who manipulate disinformation or misinformation to justify the ongoing marginalization, exclusion and erasure of Transgender and Non-Binary people or anyone who challenges their narrow minded ideas of gender norms.

These campaigns result in harmful policies designed to exclude and dehumanise trans people. Trans women and those who hold a racialized identity are too often forced to endure the harshest impact of these attacks that are rooted in transmisogyny, patriarchy and racism. Attempts to exclude, police or erase Trans people directly impacts our ability to engage in public life, access the care and support we may need and the ability to live a life free from judgement, exclusion and fear. 

These acts deny the humanity of Trans people, and in turn advocate for the erosion of our rights, setting a dangerous precedent that has historically extended beyond any one marginalised group. We know that all women and people of all genders are harmed when those in power create policies that exclude or attack any one group. When one communities' human rights are under attack, everyone's human rights are weakened. We know decision makers and those in power ultimately hold responsibility for the inequalities many in society face, not any one marginalized group or community. 

Call To Action - Things Can Be Different

Over the past week our community and allies have come forward to speak out against intolerance and in support of Trans people. Ireland can and should be a place that embraces diversity and defends every person's right to live a free and authentic life regardless of their race, gender or backgrounds. Transgender, non-binary and intersex people deserve access to the support and care they need to live freely and authentically, where our safety, dignity and human rights are recognised.

We call on our allies to use their voices to challenge disinformation, build solidarity and hold those in power accountable. Transgender lives matter and our existence cannot be reduced to a political football.

In Ireland, we must make it clear to decision makers that this bigotry is not welcome here and does not reflect a majority of Irish society. Our community and allies must come together to demand meaningful action from those in power. This includes: 

  • Combating misinformation and disinformation by including the voices of those with lived experience in the development of policy and decisions that impact their lives.

  • Committing to a transgender healthcare system that aligns with internationally recognised best practice, as outline by WHO and WPATH.

  • Update Gender Recognition Act to simplify processes for 16 and 17 year olds and to recognise Non-Binary identities. 

  • Update Equality Acts to comprehensively protect transgender, nonbinary and intersex people

  • Effective legislation to address and prevent extreme hate speech

Wexford Pride Committee 2024/25

John Cunningham Ryan (Secretary)

Mary West (Treasurer)

Veronica Victor (Community Liaison)

Rían Browne (Public Relations Officer)

Spud Byrne (Open Committee Member)

Andrei Boyd (Open Committee Member)

CC Darlington (Open Committee Member)

Supports

If you are impacted by any of the issues discussed or require additional support during these challenging times, support is available via any of the organisations listed below. You are not alone.

Wexford Pride LGBTQIA+ Peer Support Groups (Online and In Person) - Visit our community calendar to learn more about our peer support groups and when they meet.

Rían Browne

Rían is a queer non-binary person hailing from Wexford town! Rían has a background in youth and community work with several year's experience volunteering and community organising. He has a strong commitment to social justice, intersectionality and anti-racism and is passionate about creating a space for LGBTQIA+ people in Co. Wexford that is empowering, visible and inclusive!

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