Dr. Lydia Foy was presented with the Person of the Year Award at the GALAS awards, held on 24 September 2010 at the Radisson Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin 8. The GALAS were set up by the National Lesbian and Gay Federation (NLGF) to honour lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender people, their organisations and their supporters for their contributions to Irish Society.
Dr. Foy was recognised for her 13 year long legal challenge to have the Register General issue her with a new birth certificate that would recognise her preferred gender. The case ended on the 21 June 2010 when the State withdrew its appeal and recognised the High Court ruling that Irish law on transgender rights is in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The NLGF recognised Dr. Foy's efforts in courageously speaking out for Ireland's transgender community.
At the event a recorded message from Louise Hannon of Dublin Pride expressed the hope that, thanks to Lydia, future generations of Irish transgender people would find fewer obstacles in their path. Michael Farrell of the Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC), who worked on Lydia's case for many years, commended Lydia for her tenacity throughout the lengthy legal process and all the publicity it attracted.
For more information on the GALAS please click here.