Bee Fennell, a resilient 13-year-old trans teen hailing from Wicklow, Ireland, took center stage as a keynote speaker at the prestigious Child Talks 2023 conference held at Dublin’s Helix Center for the Performing Arts. Among the six youth speakers, Bee Fennell addressed the pressing need for enhanced education programs focused on transgender issues affecting Irish youth.
Ireland’s largest LGBTQ media outlet, GCN, highlighted the significance of the LGBTQ+ issues raised at the event, underscoring the challenges faced by school-aged children throughout the country. Bee Fennell seized this platform to share their personal journey as a trans teen and shed light on the limited resources available to trans youth in Wicklow.
“I wanted to take part in Child Talks 2023 because I wanted to share my story and hopefully encourage others to get the education to be a true ally to the community and to understand what it is like to be transgender,” expressed Bee Fennell, using their platform to raise awareness and foster understanding.
During their poignant presentation, Bee Fennell recounted their pivotal moments of coming out as a trans teen. They revealed, “I was 12 when I officially came out to my parents, and only a few months later, to the primary school that I was attending.”
One of the most significant steps in Bee Fennell’s journey was coming out to their school community. They vividly recalled the pivotal moment: “Coming out to my school was the biggest step because it meant everyone knew; it wasn’t just in the house anymore. I remember that night so clearly, mam and I, sitting on the couch, typing an email that was going to change my life.”
Bee Fennell went on to describe the emotional impact of that momentous email and the response they received, stating, “That email was sent around 7 p.m., outside school hours. We received a response 3.5 hours later, at 10:30 that night.”
With immense courage and determination, Bee Fennell shared how their school facilitated a meeting to help them come out to their classmates. The experience was a mixture of emotions, but Bee Fennell recalled the heartwarming support they received from friends. However, they acknowledged that not everyone reacted positively, with some displaying shock, confusion, and even disgust.
Despite these challenges, Bee Fennell reported that the majority of their classmates were accepting and welcoming, leading them to declare, “At that moment… I was more comfortable in my identity than I have ever been before. I was officially Bee, officially me.”
Bee Fennell also highlighted the vital role of LGBTQ organizations, such as BelongTo youth services, in helping them find the supportive community they had been searching for. They emphasized the significance of finally having a network that understood and embraced their true identity.
Bee Fennell’s inspiring journey and advocacy at Child Talks 2023 serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of education and acceptance for transgender youth in Ireland and beyond. Their courage in sharing their story contributes to the ongoing conversation surrounding LGBTQ+ issues and the need for greater understanding and support.
