'Trans people don’t feel safe'
“A lot of trans people don’t feel safe in Cork.” Those were the words of Saoirse Mackin, co-founder of Trans+Pride. In a show of support for trans rights, the group is to march in the city this Saturday.
Trans+ Pride Cork, now in its second year, is set to take place from 2pm on Grand Parade. The event aims to create an inclusive space for transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming individuals, along with their allies, to come together and celebrate. In addition, it also serves as an act of resistance say the organisers.
“The point of this march is that it’s a protest,” Saoirse told the paper. “Transphobic hate crime over the last number of months and years is on the rise. We have seen that not just here but across Europe.”
“We feel it is an important act of resistance which is needed now, more than ever. Trans+ Pride Cork is a celebration of trans lives and a demonstration that we’re here and we’re proud.”
According to Saoirse, although the vast majority of people are supportive of the trans community, there is a vocal minority who hold anti-trans views. “Most people support the right to live and be themselves but there are a small minority of people who unfortunately are loud and they seem a lot bigger than they actually are,” she said.
Asked about whether she is worried about counter-protestors turning up at the event, she said: “There will likely be a counter-protest, but the gardaí will be there, and we will have stewards too.”
“As well as that, we are encouraging non-engagement with them because they’re looking for confrontations to film for social media. If we avoid engaging as much as possible, they won’t get what they want.”
Reflecting on the safety of being trans in Cork, Saoirse expressed concern, saying: “I definitely don’t feel as safe as I did before, and a lot of my trans friends would feel the same.
“I personally know trans women who have been assaulted, some of them quite seriously in the last six months.
“It has significantly increased lately, and a lot of trans people don’t feel safe in Cork.”
This weekend’s march comes in the wake of landmark findings published this week that transgender people in Denmark have a significantly higher risk of suicide than other groups.
Transgender people in the country had 7.7 times the rate of suicide attempts and 3.5 times the rate of suicide deaths compared with the rest of the population.
However, Saoirse expressed optimism about the march, the support and the turnout on Saturday, saying: “Last year, we organised a rally a week before the event and had 200 people. We will quite easily have those numbers again this year, but it would be really great to double it.”
Louise O’ Donnell, co-founder, added: “This event will be a positive one - an opportunity to showcase the resilient transgender community in Cork.
“Trans people are your siblings, your friends, your neighbour and all are deserving of respect and equality.”
Those interested in participating are encouraged to follow Trans+ Pride Cork’s social media channels for updates.