Gender identity asylum seekers in Ireland: A critical step for the trans liberation movement

This paper explores the social and legal issues gender identity asylum seekers face when seeking international protection in Ireland. It argues that these issue compound the oppression of gender minorities. Through interviews with professionals involved in the asylum process and analysis of Refugee Status Determination decisions, the challenges gender identity asylum seekers face are revealed. Drawing on queer and intersectional perspectives, as well as theories from contemporary transgender studies, this paper critically assesses the legal landscape as it pertains to transgender and gender diverse individuals. It arrives at the conclusion that there are many, unique issues facing gender identity asylum seekers in. It similarly concludes that the law requires a conceptual shift to better promote and protect gender minorities from oppression under the cis-heteropatriarchy and to achieve equality and fairness for gender identity asylum seekers