have always had a special interest in gender equality, and my most recent work as a researcher and project manager on the LGBTIreland study inspired me to develop GenderEd.ie. I wanted to develop a resource to provide information to families, with the hope that this information could help encourage understanding, acceptance, and support for trans children and young people

 

“GenderEd.ie: A free online education programme for families of trans children and young people in the Republic of Ireland”

GenderEd.ie is an online education programme for families of trans children and young people in the Republic of Ireland. It is easy-to-use and includes information on a variety of important topics, such as gender identity basics, family basics, issues for trans children and young people, social issues, health and wellbeing, schools, and legal issues. It is free-of-charge and a place where families can access education and information, as well as additional resources and supports. The programme can be found at www.GenderEd.ie.

I developed the programme as part of my PhD studies in Trinity College Dublin School of Nursing & Midwifery, under the supervision of Dr. Edward McCann and Sylvia Huntley-Moore, both of whom are advocates for gender equality. I have always had a passion for justice and equality and my career as a social researcher has allowed me to align this passion with my skills. My studies and work have enabled me to work in diverse areas, such as drug use, intellectual disability, and mental health. I have always had a special interest in gender equality, and my most recent work as a researcher and project manager on the LGBTIreland study inspired me to develop GenderEd.ie. I wanted to develop a resource to provide information to families, with the hope that this information could help encourage understanding, acceptance, and support for trans children and young people.

The development of GenderEd.ie is the result of the commitment of several key groups: trans young people and their families, BeLonG To LGBT Youth Services, and Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI). GenderEd.ie has been developed with the participation and collaboration of these groups in order to ensure that it truly reflects the needs and experiences of trans young people and their families. I would also like to acknowledge Trinity College Dublin School of Nursing & Midwifery for supporting the study and the Irish Research Council for funding the research.

My hope is that by providing accurate, evidence-based, and relatable information, GenderEd.ie can help families to better support themselves and their trans family member. To learn more, please visit www.GenderEd.ie or contact me (Danika Sharek) at [email protected].

 

Danika Sharek is an Irish Research Council PhD Scholar in the Trinity College Dublin School of Nursing & Midwifery.