Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank those who took part in the Dublin Pride demonstrations at the weekend. Unfortunately, I was speaking in Kells and could not attend. I definitely had a case of FOMO - fear of missing out - looking at the pictures on Instagram and seeing how special the parade was, as it always is. Considering the origins of Pride as an active protest movement, it was great to see the grassroots activist group, AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power, ACT UP, leading the parade and putting at the centre of the day's events its incredibly important message that, due to health advancements, persons on active HIV medication cannot pass on the virus to sexual partners. I welcome the news that the HIV preventative medication, pre-exposure prophylaxis, PrEP, will soon be available free of charge through the HSE, thanks in no small part to the incredible advocacy of organisations like ACT UP.

In the context of the huge and visible support for the broader LGBT Pride parade in Dublin last weekend, I draw Members' attention to what will be a smaller but no less important demonstration, namely, Dublin's Trans Pride parade, which takes place this coming Saturday from the Garden of Remembrance. Ireland has an incredible record in recent years of increasing the acceptance and visibility of the transgender community, most notably through the Gender Recognition Act, which is one of the few laws in the world that allows for legal self-identification of gender. Our colleague, Senator Humphreys, deserves credit for advancing that legislation during his time as Minister of State. However, transgender people in Ireland still experience disproportionately high levels of marginalisation and discrimination. The demonstration this Saturday is about highlighting and opposing all forms of transphobia. Gender identity must be recognised within our anti-discrimination laws. In particular, we need hate crime legislation that encompasses all types of racial and LGBT hatred and which specifically recognises gender identity. Access to gender-neutral bathrooms must become the norm in all public spaces, including in Leinster House. We must do much better on access to healthcare for trans people. This is a minority community with high levels of health needs. We must ensure that hormone replacement therapy, speech therapy and surgery are available and accessible in a timely manner. I welcome the decision by the Minister, Deputy Harris, to set up a working group alongside activists such as Noah Halpin. However, I hear reports today from the This is Me transgender healthcare campaign that the only surgeon in the country, who does top surgery, is due to retire and there are no plans to hire a replacement. This is an example of where improvements can be made for a community that needs support from the State. These are issues requiring urgent attention and I ask the Leader to bring them to the Government. I encourage all Members to attend the demonstration this weekend.