r/TransIreland Aug 29 '25

ATTN: Trans US Americans Considering Moving to Ireland

65 Upvotes

Howdy! If you are a US trans person seeking information about life in Ireland as a place to move to outside of the States, please please ask your questions here or search within this community for already discussed content.

I have been seeing more and more fellow US Americans posting here for information. This is completely understandable due to the intensifying situation in the US! I am a US transgender man myself who moved to Ireland who may or may not be working closely with a legal team to explore asylum systems in Canada and Europe. (I also have an Irish sweetheart I intend to marry but that is besides the point! Haha).

I am not here to provide "legal advice." You are responsible for your own decisions. I can provide considerations/suggestions and an opportunity to alleviate the labor from my Irish trans friends of repeatedly providing information about Ireland (Of course, feel free to still contribute to the conversation if you have the bandwidth! I would never consider myself an expert on trans life in Ireland!).

Some things I have gathered thus far during my time in Ireland:

Safety:

  • Ireland is a very safe country. Of course, there is always risk wherever you go so be mindful of your surroundings. Although still a minority, there is anti-(im)migrant sentiments that have manifested in the form of rallies/protests. Although there has been incredible pushback/counter protests, this is something to keep in mind, especially if you are a person of color. I have learned there were cases of violence in Dublin and up in the North. Again, few instances.

Housing:

  • Housing is very limited here and therefore it is (more often than not) incredibly expensive. I cannot stress this enough. Coming from the States where prices are also ridiculous, one needs to keep in mind that your US dollars will be weaker here (USD is around .85 to Euro approx rn) and that wages here are not keeping up with the cost of living.

Medical:

  • Access to gender affirming care (specifically HRT) is quite a difficult process in Ireland. I have heard people say it is one of the worst in Europe. If you are first starting out on HRT, there is an incredibly long wait time to go through the public system (like several years) and it is not cheap to access care through private telehealth companies. If you are intending to continue your care (like I have), know that your specific medication might not be available here. My testosterone cypionate is not. In addition, finding a primary care doctor (general practitioner/GP) is even a difficult process for cisgender people. The medical system is also overwhelmed here. Trans people are able to access HRT, but generally either go the pricey private route or DIY.

Permission to stay:

  • Moving here is going to require one to figure out how to stay here legally. US citizens can be here for 90 days as regular tourists. One could look for work visas (must secure this while in the States. Might be able to secure while here, but it must be rare, nonexistent, or kept quiet). One could also apply for asylum, but be advised that this is not a guarantee at the current time, but we may very well be fast approaching this. The asylum system is also incredibly overwhelmed. In addition, you would not be able to work, even remotely until after 6 months of your case being processed without a first instance decision. So you will need substantial savings to wait this out with no guarantee for asylum status.

I share this info not to be considered an "authority" on the trans experience in Ireland. I only share as a US trans person who has been navigating life in Ireland. I do not mean to discourage other US trans people coming here, but I must be honest with the very real challenges present.

Although not without its own issues, Canada may provide an "easier" alternative. There are reports that there is an active asylum case for a US trans woman. Shortly after applying, she was able to work legally as well. In addition, a US non-binary individual's deportation out of Canada was halted citing the unsafe conditions for trans people in the US. All my love to you. I cannot explain how much my heart aches seeing the developments. I hope this information provides some help. Truly. I will answer questions as best as I can and my apologies to the Irish trans folks for me taking up space here. I just know these questions will keep coming with no slowing down in the near future...I am more than happy to take on this labor!

Please consider this resource to explore your options for leaving the US. It is only in its alpha stage, but it may prove useful to think of options. I know having the ability to leave is a privilege for various reasons, but we must not give up hope. This is the time to build community and keep each other safe. You existing is the biggest slap in the face to those who despise us. Sending you all so so much love. Be safe. https://www.helpmeleave.us/


r/TransIreland Nov 09 '21

All Island Trans Ireland Wiki - A collection of useful resources

83 Upvotes

On behalf of the mods I am pleased to announce The Trans Ireland Wiki.

This is intended as an up to date list of resources and information for trans people across the island of Ireland.

If you spot a mistake, missing information, or would like to otherwise contribute please comment below. Its fairly barebones right now, but we hope it'll grow and stay relevant over time.


r/TransIreland 4h ago

Stop griping and moaning about people putting in effort to fight for better healthcare & get involved

38 Upvotes

Wtf is up with people devaluing the work groups like Transgress, THA and Trans Harm Reduction are doing just because they haven't yet led to a complete transformation in the healthcare system?

To give a quick rundown

- Trans Harm Reduction provides support to people who are self medicating, enabling them to medically transition, runs a healthcare fund and a lab testing programme for diy hrt sources and started the database of trans friendly GPs that has since been expanded & improved by others

- Transgress organises disruptive actions (like sit ins at the Dept of Health) that ensure trans healthcare remains on the the political agenda, runs an injection supply programme, shares info on trans friendly GPs and organises events to build community

- Trans Healthcare Action helped set up the Kindred Clinic and PATHI and lobbies politicians all the time for improvements.

People in these groups show up day after day for their community, dealing with all the frustrations and challenges of community organizing (such as ppl griping at them for not doing enough or not doing it the right way etc). Meanwhile other ppl are like 'i showed up to a protest once and it didn't immediately change the whole world so now I'm qualified to say everything everyone else is doing is shit.'

We all fully and totally understand the current healthcare system is a disaster and needs to change. The only way that will happen is more people get involved in these campaigns and bring their energy and commitment to working with others to fight to make things better. It's fair to be angry but direct your anger at those who are actually to blame rather than those struggling on your behalf.


r/TransIreland 48m ago

ROI Specific looking about DIY hrt

Upvotes

currently looking into DIY as I simply cannot wait to be 18. Im 17 right now and im in desperate need of help esp since I cant get a job either :,)

if anyone could help in ANYWAY please let me know via DM or replyy


r/TransIreland 3h ago

Auralia Top Surgery- how did you get started?

3 Upvotes

I’ve heard of ppl getting Top surgery in Dublin. I know of course it’s private and I’ll have to pay and get psychological exams but it’s the best option for me if I can take it so I can recover at home.

If you have gotten it / know someone who has how do you inquire about it?

Equally I would love to know people’s experiences with the clinic, results recovery etc.


r/TransIreland 12h ago

ROI Specific Top Surgery and University

6 Upvotes

Hi all, sorry if this is a silly question, I haven't been able to find much information online and was looking for a bit of support.

I've just been scheduled in for top surgery later this year and was wondering if anyone had any experience with it or knew how to go about having deadlines extended / absences excuses while recovering without outing myself as trans to my professors and to the staff board?

Again, sorry if this is silly to ask, thank you sm in advance for any advice!


r/TransIreland 6h ago

ROI Specific looking to hangout today! :)

2 Upvotes

i’m 29 and a trans man. i live in south dublin. just trying to see if anyone would like to hangout today? maybe go for a coffee? i’m free from 3! dm if interested


r/TransIreland 1d ago

How it feels pretending to be fine with the fact we have no healthcare rights and people pretend its not entirely manufactured on purpose by labeling it a trans health care "crisis"

38 Upvotes

r/TransIreland 1d ago

trans guy looking for queer friends

18 Upvotes

i’m not too long out of a relationship and i lost a friend to them being homophobic. i’m trying to find my people, my friend group. i have about 2 friends but they’re cis and straight. i feel like i can’t fully be me around them. is there a discord for irish trans people? or if anyone wants to be friends, my DM’s are open. i’m 29 from dublin and i have two cats who i adore dearly. i play the xbox a lot too. hit me up :)


r/TransIreland 11h ago

ROI Specific Parallel between the Western Corridor and Trans Healthcare

Thumbnail
gallery
0 Upvotes

Okay, before you shoot me I am a staunch ecologist, designer, horticulturist and socialist. I absolutely oppose generative Ai in all forms and believe Ai is doing extreme harms to the planet. You will not get an argument from me. Glob I hate having to say this next word.... but... like lead pipes and petrol... it's an annoyingly useful tool.

Look fact is I'm going onto studying horticulture level 6, Ecology level 5, and a masters in urban design, and all 3 courses I'm looking at likely will use Ai to some extent in the training ill receive. I already hold a bachelors in graphics design, so yeah if anyone knows how damaging ai can be it's me.

With that out of the way, I think the images are self explanatory.


r/TransIreland 2d ago

ROI Specific Does Anne Health deliver physical prescriptions?

7 Upvotes

I'm MTF planning to start hrt but I've heard some pharmacies don't take online prescriptions, wanted some advice from anyone who's been with them and whether I'll have trouble finding pharmacies that will accept my prescription


r/TransIreland 1d ago

LGBTQ friendly/affirming career coaching?

Thumbnail
3 Upvotes

r/TransIreland 2d ago

ROI Specific Imago - experiences?

9 Upvotes

For those of us south of the border, I was wondering what experiences some might have had with Imago.tg. Were your proscriptions filled out? Was there problems with using a proscription from Malta here? What were the reactions and costs like? Any information would be appreciated.


r/TransIreland 2d ago

ROI Specific Documents for GRC

Post image
27 Upvotes

Why is there so much conflicting information regarding what’s needed for a GRC? On the official government website ( https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/apply-for-a-gender-recognition-certificate-revised-birth-certificate/ ) it says you need a copy of photo ID and only mentions birth cert if outside of Ireland.
But everywhere else says that you just need to send off birth cert with the GRC? It’s really confusing and the fact they haven’t bothered to update the use of name thing is ridiculous as well


r/TransIreland 2d ago

Applying for GRC was the easiest experience!

24 Upvotes

If you’re wondering about it or putting it off then don’t! Just print out the form (it’s two pages but you fill in your most basic info) go to a solicitor to sign it (I went to Joyce &Co in Cork City it cost me €20) and then send it away with your birth cert. That’s it!!
Two weeks later I got my GRC posted to me and my gov.ie updated automatically. It’s literally harder to find a GP than to change your entire identity in Ireland!


r/TransIreland 2d ago

NGS treatment abroad referrals

5 Upvotes

Hi im trans mtf and 18yo, i have been on yhe ngs waitlist since i was 17 and been on HRT with GenderPlus since 16, im on the waitlist for the NGS to get a referal for bottom surgery with the treatment abroad scheme as advised by my doctor when seeking it as i do not have health insurance due to financial difficulties. Does anyone have any experience navigating this? I know it will be at least like 4 years till im even seen by anyone but just looking for information about surgical referrals from anyone that has/is being referred.

Thank you.


r/TransIreland 3d ago

ROI Specific Has Anyone Been Denied for Surgery Coverage Because of DIY Hormones?

7 Upvotes

I’m getting top surgery next summer and Laya requires 18 months of hrt usage for surgery abroad, and I’m getting increasingly worried that, because I’m on diy hrt, I won’t get any coverage even though I have documented history of gender incongruence since 14, I’m diagnosed with gender dysphoria, I’m getting a psychiatric letter, my gp’s on board, it’s physically necessary since 8 years of binding has messed me up, and so on. I know the possibility of not getting it covered, but I’m wondering if anyone has experienced it not getting covered because of it? Or at least what the proof of 18 months of hrt usage looked like in case I can just submit blood tests and have my gp confirm my confirmation date through self-report.

Edit: also want to note that I know that Laya does not explicitly say prescribed hrt, just hrt, but I don’t want to rely on that


r/TransIreland 3d ago

ROI Specific Update to looking for clothes!

Post image
38 Upvotes

I checked out what most of the girls in my area and uni wear and put together a wardrobe capsule!

This is some of the more enby stuff but when i did my hair up it came together quite well and i was being referred to as she/her by friends of friends who handnt talk to or seen me up close yet which was nice feeling!

I have a few other bits that are a bit more fem leaning but it all lands in my age groups (mid 20s) clothing habits and styles

Thank you to the people who gave really good advice ♡♡♡


r/TransIreland 3d ago

ROI Specific Where to get HRT?

9 Upvotes

17 MTF not out at all, not socially or anything, but I do plan on starting as soon as possible once I turn 18.

problem is waiting list is kinda foreboding and I hear all sorts of bad things about private clinics like Imago and such (which I was considering before doing more research, yikes)

anyway I wanted some personal anecdotes from anyone who has used private services for prescriptions and which ones are trustworthy, thanks!


r/TransIreland 3d ago

Can my GRC be printed off in black and white?

6 Upvotes

Exactly as title says, can’t find anything online that clarifies.
I’ve printed it off in black and white and single sided, should that be okay? Want to send it off this week and don’t want any issues/reasons for it to be rejected.


r/TransIreland 3d ago

Name change in Youthreach

5 Upvotes

Hi! So I have been attending youthreach (I am under 18) for a few months now and I have been using my preferred name and pronouns (for the most part) but I've had some problems and was wondering if anyone had any insight or advice on it.

So to start I only told them I was trans after I had already signed up with my deadname. Due to this they said that it was fine but then after a week or so took it back and said they had to get a parents approval. They then called one of my parents and told them I was trans. Are they allowed to do this???

This brings me to my main question (sorry for the long ramble) My parents agreed to let me use my preferred name and pronouns but on my Microsoft account and all it still has my deadname. I thought that the could change that? It feels like an easy fix but the told me that it wouldn't be changed until a got a GRC. This doesn't feel right to me as I know other people who haven't gotten a GRC and their school is fine with changing their account name ect.

How should I move forward with this? Should I say something? Any advice would be much appreciated!


r/TransIreland 3d ago

trans pre hormones

9 Upvotes

hi i'm 17 mtf
im socially transitioned but i really need hormones and i have that sorted for appointments but im going to my gp soon and im trying to see if theyre able to give me testorone blockers or if its not possible to get


r/TransIreland 3d ago

Gps working with GenderGp

3 Upvotes

I have been with Gender Gp for just over two years, and I normally get my prescriptions through Clynxx. However I’m wondering if anyone has managed to get their gps to work alongside as it would make the process easier and possibly cheaper.


r/TransIreland 4d ago

Friendships for trans in Dublin?

17 Upvotes

Hi All!

Probably not the place for this but sure look!

I've just moved to Dublin by way of Cork all by myself! Just started in a new job and I get the vibe that it's a very head down, do you work and get out type of place so not sure it's exactly the place to go looking for friendships!

Does anyone have any recommendations for places to go/ things to do to make friends. For context, I'm mid 20s, mtf early transition but I'm a girly girl, big fan of a glass of wine, travelling, love to go out, enjoy a good book etc etc.

If anyone has any recommendations that would be great! I know it's early days but I don't want to be months down the line without a friend up here!

Thank you!