Dublin Pride has announced that they will terminate their media partnership with RTÉ
The And Say Farrell/rollingnews The These Organisers Have Airs Ie "both Disappointed" Which Picture: Been “given Platform” Duffy's By On Joe A Fact Eamonn Angered They Show, Discussions Liveline That On Are The
Dublin Pride is to terminate its media partnership with RTÉ, following what the organisation says are “extremely harmful anti-trans discussions” on Joe Duffy's .
The organisers say they are "both angered and disappointed" by the fact that these discussions have been “given a platform” on the show, which airs on .
In a series of tweets, Dublin Pride said it has worked with RTÉ over the past three years to “increase positive representation of LGBTQ+ people on TV, radio and online.”
They went on to say that as an official media partner of Dublin Pride and “more importantly, as Ireland's national broadcaster” they expect better from RTÉ than to “stoke the flames of anti-trans rhetoric.”
They say that at the request of Trans Equality Together, a new coalition of which Dublin Pride is a member, they have not made a statement until now.
However, they say they have remained in close and constant contact with the group to ensure any actions taken by Dublin Pride “respect the voices and feelings of the trans people in the community.”
“RTÉ is our national broadcaster. LGBTQ+ people and our allies make up the majority of people in Ireland. We are the majority shareholders in RTÉ and we have a right to hold it accountable for its actions,” said Dublin Pride’s organisers.
They finished by saying that they expect a response on how RTÉ will make amends for the situation and how they are committed to continuing to fight for equality, fairness and respect for all the members of our LGBTQ+ family.
A statement from RTÉ said: "RTÉ is disappointed with the decision to end a partnership we had developed together with a range of bodies over the last three years. Standing with the LGBGTQ+ community, during Pride month sends an important signal that RTÉ is here to serve everyone, and over the last three years RTÉ has sought to include these communities and extend understanding through a range of specially produced content, campaigns and partnerships.
"Public discussion - sometimes uncomfortable, difficult, and contentious - is central to RTÉ’s prescribed purpose. RTÉ is acutely aware that discussions on issues such as gender and identity are deeply personal to many. It is important we listen to them, their families and those close to them, and it is also important that we allow our audiences engage with and understand the issues involved.
"RTÉ will, consistent with its statutory obligations, respond to any formal complaints concerning the broadcasts.
"RTÉ will continue to stand with our LGBTQ+ staff and the wider community during Pride month and beyond. In time, we hope that we will once again get the opportunity to continue to develop our partnership with Dublin Pride."