Frequently Asked Questions

This page covers some frequently asked questions regarding transitioning in Ireland.

How do I legally change my name?
Any person in Ireland can change their name via deed poll. It is important to note that as of 2021, name change by deed poll is no longer required to receive a Gender Recognition Certificate. If a person intends on getting a Gender Recognition Cert, they do not require a deed poll to legally change their name, as this can be done via the gender recognition process. You can find more information about this process on the Citizens Information website here.

How do I change my gender marker?
Any person in Ireland over 18 years old can change their legal gender marker from female to male, or vice versa, via a Gender Recognition Cert. This is done via a simple application form, which includes a statutory declaration that must be witnessed by a peace commissioner, notary public, commissioner of oaths, or solicitor. A person that is 16 or 17 years of age is able to change their legal gender marker, but must apply for permission to do so via the Circuit Family Courts. The application to the courts includes the consent of your parent(s) or guardian(s), a form from your medical practitioner confirming you have transitioned / are transitioning and have the maturity to make this decision, and from a psychiatrist or endocrinologist confirming this. More information about the process of Gender Recognition can be found on the Citizens Information website here.

How can I get on hormones or blockers?
To access gender affirming healthcare in Ireland's public system, individuals are referred by their GP to the National Gender Service in St Colmcille's Hospital in Loughlinstown, Dublin. At present, they only accept referrals for people 17+ and only see patients who are 18+. The waiting list for this service is exceptionally long - up to 3 years reported by the service itself, but as long as 9 years based on the rate at which patients are seen. We have a detailed guide to this process available at Accessing Gender Affirming Healthcare.

Can I get top surgery in Ireland? What are my options abroad?
It is unclear at present if top surgery is available in Ireland. A surgeon was operating in the Beacon Hospital in Dublin, however there are no recent reports in the community of this service still being provided. You can travel within Europe for surgery with the Cross Border Directive and Treatment Abroad Scheme. And lastly you can travel outside of Europe (ie to the US) but there is no financial support and therefore it will be private care.

Can I get bottom surgery in Ireland?
Bottom surgery is not performed in Ireland, however, through the HSE and the treatment abroad scheme it can be obtained (usually in the UK) through public pathways.

Where can I get a binder or packer?
There are no shops in Ireland that we are aware of selling binders or packers, but we do have a list of online shops here.