• over 75% of trans participants considered ending their own lives and 35% attempted suicide
• 49% of trans people self-harm
• only 40% of transgender people feel safe expressing their gender identity in public
• trans and intersex participants have lower self-esteem and happiness scores than their LGB counterparts.

TRANSforming Lives 2017 runs from March 26th to April 2nd. This will coincide with the International Trans Day of Visibility on March 31st. TRANSforming Lives 2017 focuses on bringing the wider mental health community and the trans community together.

During the week of events they will help local communities to run their own events or to meet with each other and to work toward a future relationship. There will also be an online education campaign about trans issues, trans mental health and what mental health organisations can do to be more inclusive of trans people.

“Trans people experience many mental health challenges and these need to be addressed,” said TENI National Development Officer Sam Blanckensee. “TRANSforming Lives aims to start a conversation about trans mental health in communities across Ireland. This week we will be building support networks for trans people in their local communities by opening doors to local mental health supports.”

For a list of TRANSforming Lives events, their endorsers and more about the campaign, please go to transforminglives.ie

Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) seeks to improve conditions and advance the rights and equality of trans people and their families. http://www.teni.ie