It has been three and half years since the introduction of legislation providing legal gender recognition in Ireland. In that time, approximately 420 people have sought and received their gender recognition certificate enabling them to secure a birth certificate in their preferred gender. This figure includes a small number of people aged 16 and 17 years of age who applied for their gender recognition certificate with the support of parents or guardians. Perhaps the most interesting observation in relation to gender recognition in Ireland is just how uncontroversial it has been. The fact of legal gender recognition is embedded as much in our social outlook as our legal system.
This is in no small part because of trailblazers like Dr Lydia Foy and her solicitor Michael Farrell; champions for equality like Louise Hannon and Lynda Sheridan; and advocates for reform like Broden Giambrone and Vanessa Lacey. Indeed, the voices, visibility and veracity of our whole community in advocating for our rights has transcended the marginal status of the Irish trans community and won a place in the hearts and minds of Irish society as something to be valued, respected and defended.