BeLonG To Unequivocally Welcomes Senator VanTurnhout’s Proposed Amendment to the Gender Recognition Bill
Today, BeLonG To Youth Services, the national organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual & trans young people unequivocally welcomes Senator VanTurnhout’s proposed amendment to the Gender Recognition Bill, which was tabled at Report Stage. The amendment would introduce ‘an interim Gender Recognition Certificate’, for Trans young people, providing significant protections for the rights of trans young people in line with international best practice.
Cabinet moved last week to introduce a number of significant improvements to the bill, chiefly the right to self determination. Such progressive amendments provide another step forward in creating a Trans inclusive legal framework it falls far short of meeting needs of Trans young people. BeLonG To remains concerned that the Bill does not provide a mechanism for legal recognition of gender for trans young people under 16.
The proposed interim Gender Recognition Certificate amendment would offer a significant solution to many of the barriers faced by trans young people in educational settings and provide the right to young people to the recognition of their preferred gender.
Speaking today, David Carroll, Executive Director with BeLonG To said “Often parents contact us seeking support for their Trans children and despite their best efforts, families all too often report feeling isolated, frustrated and left extremely vulnerable’. ‘We also know from our work training teachers, and others working with young people, that there is a hunger for information and awareness around gender identity”, continued Mr Carroll.
IndividualiTy, Europe’s first Trans youth support group meets weekly to offer peer support for Trans identified young people aged 14 – 23 years is one of BeLonG To’s core groups that has continued to grow since its inception in 2007. Recently the group has experienced a huge rise in young people accessing the service as well as families reaching out for support as young people are coming out as trans in greater numbers and at a younger age.
Lisa Mc Kenny BeLonG To Youth Worker and Coordinator of IndividualiTy said “We have an opportunity now to make a life changing impact on the lives of Tran’s young people and families all over Ireland. Senator Turnhout’s proposal offers a pathway for young people, which was lacking in previous incarnations of the bill. Acceptance of this amendment would greatly help the many trans young people we work with, and send a powerful message of inclusion to this often particularly marginalised and isolated group”.
We are committed to advancing the rights of Trans young people as the Bill moves through its final stages in the legislative process and we call on the Táiniste to accept the amendment and deliver more inclusive and groundbreaking legislation that includes & acknowledges the rights of Trans young people.