Monday, May 12, 2025
Waterford
On Friday evening, representatives from Pride of the Déise and members of the local LGBTQIA+ community and allies met with Deputy David Cullinane (TD for Waterford and Sinn Féin’s Health Spokesperson) and Deputy Conor McGuinness (another Sinn Féin TD for Waterford) in a closed, community-led meeting to discuss the recent harm caused by public comments made in support of the UK Supreme Court’s ruling on the legal definition of “woman.”
This meeting was structured, respectful, and driven by community voices - with presentations covering biology, identity, healthcare access, historical context, and the real-world harm caused when public figures echo exclusionary rhetoric, even unintentionally.
We would like to thank Deputy Cullinane for accepting our invitation, attending in good faith, and remaining engaged throughout what was, at times, a challenging but overall productive and reassuring conversation.
Key Outcomes from the Meeting
🔹 Acknowledgement of Harm
Deputy Cullinane acknowledged that his language in the original tweet caused hurt and stated directly that describing the UK ruling as a “common sense decision” was a mistake.
🔹 Affirmation of Trans Identities
He clearly affirmed that he recognises trans men as men and trans women as women (something which was affirmed to other LGBTQ+ organisations which Deputy Cullinane and Party Leader Deputy McDonald attended recently, as per Irish Independent article published 11 May 2025).
He also expressed support for social transition and gender-affirming healthcare based on informed consent and clinical best practice.
Commitment to Engagement
Deputy Cullinane committed to:
- Ongoing dialogue with our community
- Including us in healthcare policy discussions
- Exploring opportunities for representatives from our local community to attend future Dáil meetings or consultations regarding these matters
Follow up meetings with POTD and the local community regarding healthcare needs, and other issues affecting our community
Support for Improved Trans Healthcare
He recognised the failures within the Irish National Gender Services (NGS), spoke about internal concerns already raised, and welcomed further input from our community and allied healthcare professionals as reforms move forward.
What Comes Next?
We were clear in the meeting that private conversations must be followed by public accountability. We have asked Deputy Cullinane to:
- Make visible his support for the trans and LGBTQIA+ community
- Publicly clarify his position in support of inclusive healthcare and human rights
- Reach out to community organisations like ours before making public statements on nuanced and sensitive issues
We remain hopeful - but we are also watching all our elected officials, not just those in one party, on how they support our community, or not, in their official capacities.
We want to thank everyone who submitted feedback, who has checked in, shown up, and continues to stand with our community in Waterford and beyond. This work is not easy, and it’s often done quietly, behind the scenes, but it makes a difference.
🏳️⚧️ We are proud to represent you.
🏳️🌈 We will continue to fight for dignity, care, and safety for all.
Le grá agus le bród,
The Pride of the Déise Committee
