Thousands March Dublin For Trans & Intersex Health Care Reform
By Bronagh KennedyJuly 16, 2026Thousands gathered in Dublin on 11 July 2026 for the seventh annual transgender and intersex pride march, calling for better access to gender-affirming health care. Beginning at. . .
16, 2026Thousands gathered in Dublin on 11 July 2026 for the seventh annual transgender and intersex pride march, calling for better access to gender-affirming health care. Beginning at City Hall and finishing at the seat of Irish government, Leinster House, the demonstration featured chants such as "Our bodies, our lives, our right to decide. "It highlighted concerns over Ireland's trans health care system, often criticised as one of Europe's least effective. Access delays and calls for reformMany seeking gender-affirming care face waiting lists that run to years for initial consultations with the National Gender Service, affecting access to essential support. Morr O'Malley ofTrans Healthcare Action, an advocacy group campaigning for improved services for trans communities, called for a new approach to identity-focused medical support. "The needs and concerns of trans people have long been ignored, which is why the informed consent model based on co-production is the future of gender-affirming care in Ireland," O'Malley said. The approach echoes community-led responses to the HIV and AIDS crisis, when people organised support amid gaps in formal medical provision. Marchers called for services that are free, safe, local, and responsive to their needs. Parallels to past struggles and wider solidarityOllie Bell, founder of the trans and intersex pride movement, said they were inspired to launch the initiative after taking part in the 2018 campaign toRepeal the Eighth Amendment. Bell drew a strong parallel between the historic win of that referendum, which overturned the constitutional ban on abortion, and the clear desire of trans and intersex people to have equal bodily autonomy and the freedom to make decisions about their own lives. Themarchwas also a vital platform to address the rise in far-right rhetoric and related incidents of violence. The trans and intersex pride founder stressed that liberation efforts must also beanti-racistand stand in solidarity with Black and brown communities facing increased racist violence. Bell also expressed hope that the demonstration would be a source of encouragement for those getting throughtough times. Intersex advocacy and urgent demandsMaca, an intersex advocate, spoke powerfully about the inherent diversity within the intersex community. Despite the wide spectrum of variations in biological sex characteristics, she stressed that a set of shared and urgent demands unites the movement. Key among these are an immediate ban on medically unnecessary interventions involvingintersex infants and children, along with making informed consent the basis for all medical care for intersex and trans people. "It might sound obvious, but it needs to be said that intersex bodies are not medical problems to be solved," Maca said firmly. Intersex is defined as an umbrella term for people born with biological sex characteristics that don't align with conventional understandings of male and female bodies. This spectrum includes a wide range of variations. Visibility, inclusion and political pressureAttendee Cat Chadwick echoed the call for an informed-consent model in trans health care, highlighting the importance of events like the transgender and intersex pride march in building the public pressure needed to improve access and support systems. Reflecting the shared experiences of many attending, Chadwick said that people in the community had much the same concerns, and urged politicians and health care professionals to listen to community members and provide the care they want and need. The importance of visibility and inclusion within organisations was also emphasised. Xiomara Aguirre, the Pride events coordinator with Scouting Ireland, a national youth organisation, spoke about the significance of having gender-diverse and intersex members within the group. A trans woman and active scout, she said she wanted to show that Scouting Ireland is committed to best practice for its trans and intersex members. The march highlighted ongoing efforts to secure fair health care, recognition, and human rights for transgender and intersex communities in Dublin and beyond.