Transforming Attitudes Conference

Slides and Documents from the conference

About

Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI), Union of Students in Ireland (USI) and BeLonG To Youth Service (a national LGBT youth group) are hosting a Transgender Human Rights Conference and Educational Seminar entitled ‘Transforming Attitudes’, to be held at the Law Society of Ireland in Dublin on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th April 2009.

The purpose of the conference is to inform and educate a wide variety of civil organisations, student groups, strategic individuals and policy makers about trans issues and experiences in Ireland with the hope of ‘Transforming Attitudes’. The focus will be on the sociological and legal perspectives of equality and human rights for trans people, rather than on their medicalisation and pathologisation. The conference format will consist of plenary sessions, keynote speeches, panel sessions and discussion, workshops and activist training.

Confirmed Speakers and Participants

  • Sophie Magennis - Head of Policy and Legislation, Ombudsman for Children's Office, representing Emily Logan, Ombudsman for Children
  • Des Hogan - Deputy Chief Executive, Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC)
  • Michael Farrell - Senior Solicitor, FLAC and IHRC Commissioner
  • Professor Andrew Sharpe - University of Keele, author of 'Transgender Jurisprudence'
  • Tanya Ní Mhuirthile - PhD Candidate, Law Faculty, University College Cork
  • Patricia Prendiville - former Executive Director, International Lesbian and Gay Association - Europe (ILGA-Europe)
  • Mark Kelly, Director - Irish Council for Civil Liberties
  • Niall Crowley - former CEO, Equality Authority
  • Colin Daly - Solicitor in Charge, Northside Community Law Centre and Chairperson, Human Rights Committee of the Law Society of Ireland
  • Senator Ivana Bacik
  • Silvan Agius - Policy and Programmes Officer, ILGA-Europe
  • Professor Stephen Whittle - Manchester Metropolitan University, Co-Chair Transgender Europe, and Founder and Vice-President of Press for Change
  • Eilís Barry - Legal Adviser and Head of the Legal Section, Equality Authority
  • Dr. Paula Mayock - Children's Research Centre, Trinity College Dublin, Lead Researcher "Supporting LGBT Lives"
  • Dr. Audrey Bryan - School of Education and Lifelong learning, University College Dublin, Researcher "Supporting LGBT Lives"
  • James Morton - Scottish Transgender Alliance Project Coordinator
  • Thomas Hammarberg - Council Of Europe, Commissioner for Human Rights (video message)

Programme

Friday

  • Panels
    • Championing Equality for Trans* People
    • Legal Recognition, Trans* rights and the Law

Saturday

  • Presentations
    • The Mental Health and Well-being of Transgender People in Ireland
    • The Strategic Development of Transgender Rights Work in Scotland

* Legal and Human Rights panel

* “Everything you ever wanted to know about Trans*, but were afraid to ask…” * Establishing and Facilitating a Trans* Support Group * Irish Trans Documentaries - BodyBound, Manhood and What I Am * Working with Trans Youth, the ABC's

Intended Audience

The audience will include advocates from national and regional LGBT organisations, Garda LGBT Liaison Officers, representatives from equality and human rights NGOs, members of the Law Society of Ireland, members of the psychological, psychiatric and counselling professions, in addition to policy makers and representatives from government departments.

We hope ‘Transforming Attitudes’ will mark a watershed moment in the recognition of human rights for trans people in Ireland.

(C) 2008 Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI)