In a community such as Derry, trans* and non-binary visibility can often be difficult and sometimes impossible. However, according to Jennifer Clifford, the trans* and non-binary youth of Derry are really running the show when it comes to trans* and queer advocacy and activism. It’s through organizations such as Out Northwest that are encouraging younger generations of trans* people to be creative and follow their passions. Out Northwest, for example, offers courses in directing and cinematography to further encourage their creative spirit. This project, that is housed out of the Rainbow Center, is specifically focused on the youth in Derry, 16 to 24-year-olds to be exact.
Work that trans* youth are involved in covers a wide array of interests and topics. While some youth are involved in the planning of pride, some are campaigning for de-gendering school uniforms. They are active in politics that they care about and want their voices to be heard. They refuse to be silenced.
The trans* and non-binary community in Derry is small but growing and it is because younger generations are caring less and less about how their identity makes other people feel, especially if the feeling is comfortability. A point that Jennifer continued to come back to is how younger generations tend to view gender identity in a way that is much more fluid and flexible. She says that this is one of the best parts of the younger generation is their openness to new and different identities and ideas. This is part of the reason why younger people are leading the change for trans* acceptance in Derry and in Northern Ireland. In fact, younger people from Derry have rallied for changes to school uniform requirements and have even brought their concerns and issues to Stormont. This is also why younger generations are finding it “easier” (even though it is rarely easy) to come out regarding their non-normative gender identities. They are more willing to freely speak who they are into existence than older generations. This is one of the best parts of working with trans* and non-binary youth, according to Jennifer.
“Trans* and non-binary youth are incredibly politically astute” – Jennifer Clifford
Speaking with Jennifer was an absolute pleasure. It is rare in today’s society that younger generations of trans* and non-binary people are able to have these conversations with trans* elders or transestors. Change is slow, but it is coming and the trans* and non-binary youth are leading the way.
SOCI 387 Diversity, Conflict, and Peace in Northern Ireland 