Dr Lydia Foy awarded European Citizens Prize

Lydia Foy has been awarded the European Citizens Prize.

Dr Foy's 22 year long legal battle to have her gender recognised on official documents has been instrumental in leading to the Gender Recognition Bill.

Today she has been honoured for raising awareness of the hardship and suffering experienced by the Transgender community in Ireland.

"I am so happy, honoured and overwhelmed to receive this award," Dr Foy said.

"I want to thank the judges and I would particularly like to thank all four Sinn Féin MEPs for nominating me. It is terrific news and I am so delighted."

Dr Foy was nominated by Sinn Féin MEPs Lynn Boylan, Martina Anderson, Matt Carthy and Liadh NíRíada.

“Through her tireless campaigning Lydia Foy has finally succeeded in getting the Irish State to introduce the Gender Recognition Bill this year," Boylan said.

She has been a source of great strength to the Transgender community and has encouraged others to come forward through her bravery.

“Lydia is a fitting recipient of this European Citizen’s Prize and I and my fellow Sinn Fein MEPs send her our heartiest congratulations".​