State to Recognise the Transgendered

Earlier this month, Social Protection Minister Joan Burton put legislation before the Dáil that would allow citizens to change the gender information in their birth certificate. Essentially, this means one could legally change their gender. It is the first real legal recognition of the transgendered in Irish society. In an interview with The Independent, Minister Burton confirmed that all adults above the age of 18 would qualify for the “Fairly straightforward” process.

"I believe that this bill will go a long way towards addressing those concerns. It again shows that this Government is prepared to resolve issues left unaddressed for far too long."

However, this legislation would not be available to married people. Transgender community pages, though broadly in favour of the spirit of this legislation, feel that this is too restrictive. Allegedly, it will also involve a doctor confirming the applicant truly intends to live in their acquired gender. This raises another concern about the over-medicalisation of gender status, and even the possibility that one could be rejected from this process.

“Total missed opportunity”

A further caveat of the bill mentions the exclusion of transgender in sporting events, for example a woman who was formerly a man could not compete in a woman’s event. These complaints, among others, are expected to be addressed at a comittee stage.

(J.Nolan - Photograph from Labour Youth)