Bi+ Ireland has joined the Trans Writers’ Union boycott of the Irish Times. The Trans Writers’ Union demands that:
We fully support these demands and in our roles as Bi+ Ireland volunteers we will not share Irish Times articles from the Bi+ Ireland social media accounts; speak to or write for the Irish Times, and when we issue press releases they will not be sent to the Irish Times. We ask that you, our community members, support us in taking part in the boycott by not sharing content from the Irish Times in our community group. Transphobia has no place in Ireland and it is unconscionable that the Irish Times has taken an anti-trans editorial stance. The lives of trans and non-binary people should never be up for ‘debate’. In recent weeks we have seen an increase in anti-trans activity globally, including; the UK government’s decision to exclude transgender people from a ban on conversion therapy; the implementation of anti-trans legislation in multiple US states; attacks on trans and non-binary people taking part in sports, and the exclusion of non-binary people from our census. We have also seen an increase in violence against LGBTQIA+ people in Ireland, with the killing of Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee in Sligo which Gardaí suspect were hate-related crimes, the assault of Evan Somers in Dublin, the killing of a non-binary person in Down, and the assaults of Callum Kenny, a trans man, in Louth and Saoirse Mackin, a trans woman, in Cork. These are, of course, recent incidents that have been reported in the media. You are likely also aware of attacks that have not made the news. We must be clear that the LGBTQIA+ community in Ireland includes our trans and non-binary siblings. We must be clear that we are in solidarity with each other. We must be clear that transphobia, in all its forms, will be challenged. In joining the Trans Writers’ Union boycott Bi+ Ireland reiterates our support for our trans and non-binary community members. The Trans Writers’ Union boycott petition is here https://action.uplift.ie/campaigns/boycott-the-irish-times More information can be found on the Trans Writers’ Union website https://transwritersunion.com/ Bi+ Ireland Volunteer Team Image Description A light pink background with some light blue swirls. It includes the messages "Trans Rights are Human Rights" and "B with the T" and has a little graphic of a group of people holding a trans flag on the left, and a hand holding a bi flag on the right.
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In light of the alarming rise of homophobic hate crimes, especially over the last week here in Ireland, we wanted to check in and also advise people to be extra vigilant at this time.
We know this is a distressing and stressful time for the community, especially for our community members in Dublin & Sligo. Please reach out for any support you may need, and look out for each other. Support is available from the following places: LGBT Ireland on 1800 929 539 or online at https://lgbt.ie/ The Switchboard on 01 8721055 or online at https://www.theswitchboard.ie/ TENI & LGBT Ireland on 01 907 3707 or online at https://www.teni.ie/ Please consider some of the advice shared by the Gardaí, which was developed by the MPOWER programme at HIV Ireland for keeping safe when using hook-up apps. You can read more about it here https://mpower.hivireland.ie/staying-safe-hook-up-apps/ Gardaí advise that you get a picture of the person's face from the person you intend to meet. Be cautious of a person who does not share a recent face picture with you, particularly after you have shared yours. If the person does not want to share a picture, Gardaí suggest asking them to go on a live video call. Many apps have this option built-in, so a mobile number does not have to be shared to do this. Gardaí also suggest that you ask for their social media handles. "Do you have friends in common on Instagram or Facebook? Be wary of new accounts with low follower count and few posts." It is advised that you let friends know where you are going. You should send a text to a trusted friend or in a group chat, including your live location so you can be found if you need help. Meet in a public place first. Take a few minutes to chat and feel confident you want to proceed before going somewhere private. Gardaí also suggest that you think before accepting food or drink. Unless you have seen the person prepare it, they said it is best not to accept it to avoid being spiked. If an emergency unfolds, call 999. Image Description The Progress Pride Flag The original red, orange, yellow, green, indigo, and violet stripes, devised by Gilbert Baker. On the left side, black, brown, blue, pink, and white stripes have been added in a triangle to represent LGBTQ+ people of colour, and the trans community. |
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