Lydia Foy
Dr. Lydia Foy is a 77-year-old artist and activist from Athy, Co Kildare, who made history as the first transgender person in Ireland to successfully challenge the state's failure to legally recognize her gender. Over the years, she fought a long legal battle for the right to change her birth certificate, culminating in the introduction of the Gender Recognition Act in 2015. Foy is also known for her creativity, engaging in painting, music, and writing, while advocating for transgender rights and sharing her experiences of discrimination and resilience in a society that was once unaccepting.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Dr Lydia Foy’s campaign to legally change her sex was supported by Michael Farrell.
Irish lawyer quits European rights watchdog after being told Gaza ‘out of our mandate’ – The Irish Times
Ireland· 2025-08-11
Lydia Foy sought a new birth certificate with her female gender, which led to significant legal changes for transgender rights in Ireland.
25 brilliant Irish women in 2025 – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-03-08
Lydia Foy is a trans activist who fought for the right to change her gender on her birth certificate.
‘I never got an apology actually. It would be nice to get one’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-02-22
