Hundreds of people are taking part in Dublin’s Trans Pride march this afternoon.

Organisers said the march is a corporation-free protest highlighting the needs of the Trans community.

At least 1,000 people were expected to attend the march, which got underway at 12pm.

On Newstalk Breakfast with Susan Keogh this morning, Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) Director Denise Breen said that, while there is work to be done, Ireland is one of the more progressive countries in the world.

Speeches are delivered at the 2019 Trans Pride Rally in Dublin. Image: Alison Nulty

“To change your name is just a deed poll,” she said.

“Anyone can do it. You can walk into your local solicitor and fill out a deed poll form saying what your old name was and what you want your new name to be.

“You sign it and from the moment you sign that form, that is your new name legally.

“And, thankfully, we have the Gender Recognition Act – we were one of the first countries to do that.

“So Ireland, from a legal perspective is quite progressive.”

Big thanks to @susankeoghnews
for this opportunity.#TransPride@TENI_Tweets https://t.co/9PfFG233xa via @newstalkfm

— Denise Breen 🖖🏳️‍⚧️ (@DeniseMBreen) July 6, 2019

Trans Pride Organiser Thomas White said the event is a “grassroots, community-led protest that puts the needs of Trans people first.”

“We felt we needed an event that was organised by the Trans community for the Trans community that really centred our voices and put our issues and needs to the forefront and wasn’t overshadowed by corporations that don’t care about us.”

The event began with speeches at the Garden of Remembrance before marching through town to a final rally due to get underway at Merrion Square West.

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