Happy St. Patrick's Day 2016

Happy St. Patrick's Day TransGriot readers!

It's probably a happier than normal one for my trans cousins in Ireland thanks to the amazing trans human rights progress they have made there over the last few months.  Congratulations to the trans Irish folks who successfully stood up for their human rights, and may TENI keep that momentum going.

Hope the positive trends that have been happening for Irish trans people lead to positive action for the rest of the British Isles, Europe and eventually the rest of the world.

Here it's falling during Spring Break, and I'm spending today getting my last minute packing and other stuff done in preparation for my trip to this weekend's LGBT Media Journalist Convening in Baltimore.  I am looking forward to seeing everyone at #LGBTMedia16 and getting away from Houston for a few days

As for drinking any green beer, umm no, not for me.

Ireland Agrees To Trans Self-Determination For Gender Recognition Bill

One of the problems that trans people around the world share is identification that matches who they are now, and barriers to acquiring that ID like requiring genital surgery.
Was nice to hear courtesy of the Transgender Equality Network Ireland that the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, T.D. announced that, following the agreement of Cabinet, the application process under the Gender Recognition Bill will for people aged 18 years or more, be based on the person's self-declaration by way of a statutory declaration.

The Gender Recognition Bill will also no longer contain the controversial 'forced divorce' clause that Irish trans people had serious problems with..

"TENI applauds the Government for this hugely significant move. Ireland has now taken its place as an international leader in this human rights area," said TENI Chief Executive Broden Giambrone. "The Government has shown great vision and conviction in ensuring the rights of trans people. This legislation will significantly improve the lived realities of trans people in Ireland."


Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, the Tánaiste said: "Throughout the drafting of this Bill, I have listened carefully to the views of individual citizens, representative groups and public representatives. It is essential that this important legislation is in line with international best practice. That is why we are moving to a self-declaration model for people aged 18 and over. This approach will have no impact on the treatment pathway which is completely separate from the civil registration process."

TENI Chair Sara R. Phillips said after today's announcement: "This is a momentous moment. To be given the respect to self-determine our gender is true equality. For once I can believe our community are seen as full equal citizens. Today I am so proud of our country."

4th European Transgender Council Happening Next Week

As I've pointed out a few times, we North Americans aren't the only trans people on the planet who get together, form organizations and travel to conferences inside and outside our nations.

Transpeople in various parts of the world are having to do so like us for the same reasons we do here in the States and Europe is no exception.

While Europe may seem like a paradise to those of us deep in red-state America, trans human rights coverage varies depending on the nation you live in. 

There are some European nations in which we red-state Americans would instantly recognize the hostile faith-based negativity and repression aimed at transgender people that makes being trans just as challenging here as it can be on our side of the Atlantic.

Every two years Transgender Europe (TGEU), the umbrella organization founded in 2005 in Vienna, Austria with the mission of achieving trans equality and inclusion across Europe has been convening a Transgender European Council focused on issues specific to the European continent. 

Previous TGEU Councils were held in Berlin,Germany in 2008 and Malmo, Sweden in 2010,   It is the first and largest gathering of political transgender activists in Europe that draws upwards of 200 delegates, has well known keynote speakers and panelists, workshops and a diverse cultural program. 

The TGEU Councils serve as a forum setting the agenda for transgender politics in Europe, a celebration of a lively continental; transgender community and handle their political business. It is during this event the General Assembly of TGEU elects its board and steering committee that formulates policy for the organization.  

The 4th Annual European Transgender Council will be taking place September 7-9 in Dublin, Ireland.at Dublin City University.with the theme of 'Realizing Recognition, Respect and Equality.'  

For my European TransGriot readers across the Pond (yes I have international readers, people) interested in or thinking about attending, heres a guide put together by TENI, Transgender Equality Network Ireland.

To my transbrothers and transsisters in Europe, hope you have a wonderful and productive time in Dublin next week.