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21 AUG 2013
Did your child miss out on a college place? Make sure it’s not because they’re transgender.
Darrin and Ben share their experiences of applying for third level education, and falling through the cracks of the system.
Darrin's Experience
In 2010, Darrin repeated his Leaving Certificate. His hope was to study Arts at UCC. When Round 1 placements were published, Darrin was not offered a place. When he queried it, Darrin was told he didn’t meet the minimum entry requirements, as he did not have Leaving Certificate English.
Darrin did meet the requirements. He had taken English the first time around in 2008 - before he transitioned. He realised that his first Leaving Certificate had not been counted in assessing his application.
“What I remember is the complete and utter fear and panic that set in when I realised there was no place for me,” said Darrin. He went into UCC to fight for his place, taking with him both Leaving Certificates and proof of medical treatment. His college admitted an error in the application process and Darrin was given his place.
Ben's Experience
Ben applied for a place in Physics as a mature student in 2011. He had transitioned since sitting his Leaving Certificate in 1999. He completed a standard application and adding in his original birth certificate and his deed poll showing his change of name. He followed up with an email to the CAO Office to make sure his documentation had been received and recorded. Ben was assured that all was in order.
In July, Ben noticed that UCC was holding an orientation day for new mature students. He had not been contacted by the college. When he asked if there were further offers to be issued, he was told that all the mature student offers had already gone out. “I was horrified,” said Ben, “The pit of my stomach just dropped when I realised I wasn’t included.” Knowing he had enough points, Ben asked UCC to check his application, and explained that he was a trans man. On checking, the college confirmed that he should have been offered a mature student place, and that he would be included in the Round 1 placement offers.
Share Your Experience
Everyone shares the same right to an education. If you have had difficulty with your CAO application because of your gender identity, TENI would like to hear from you. We want to work to ensure the Third Level admissions process treats trans students equally: sharing your experience can help.
Contact orlaith@teni.ie or phone (01) 873 3575.
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