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Transgender Awareness - talk by Vanessa Lacey

Ms Vanessa Lacey of the Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) presented a seminar on Transgender Awareness in Ireland in Dublin City University on the 29 November 2011. While this talk was given as part of the BSc in Psychology module Sexuality and Society, it was open to all member of the DCU community. The presentation focussed on many aspects of transgenderism, which is an umbrella term. She detailed the different identities under this umbrella, and covered some historical aspects, explaining that transgender identities featured all through history and was not a new phenomena. Some of the challenges facing 'trans' people were also discussed, with lively participation from the audience.

In her presentation Ms Lacey gave an overview of being transgender in Ireland. Research by Van Kesteren et al, (1996) suggested the prevalence of transgenderism was 1:11,900 for male to female and 1:30,400 for female to male. Exploring the issues faced by people when they discover that they are different, Ms Lacey pointed out that the majority go through a spectrum of emotions such as shame, guilt, embarrassment, loss and isolation. Some transgendered people experience loss of family who through lack of understanding do not know how to integrate this new knowledge about their family member. Equally the loss can be that of financial security and in some cases employment.

These experiences may lead to depression, self harm and sometimes suicide. She pointed out that access to health care was an issue every transgendered person experiences as there is no gender clinic in Ireland. There is also a lack of counsellors trained to help people cope with the confusion of their situation. Ms Lacey pointed out that transitioning leads to freedom which for her incorporates self-acceptance and ultimately one lives with the authentic self.

Vanessa spoke briefly on the importance of Gender Recognition Legislation for all 'trans' people, and spoke of some of the negative aspects from the GRAG (Gender Recognition Advisory Group) proposals that TENI are addressing at present. She went on to describe Transgender Equality Network Ireland's (TENI) work at present to address some of the negative issues facing transgender people and their families on a daily basis.