Ireland’s First Transgender Election Candidate To Run In Belfast

Ellen Murray (22) is to stand for election at Stormont, making her the first transgender election candidate in the history of all Ireland. The Belfast Telegraph reports that the activist will run for The Green Party, and she has promised to give a voice to women, the LGBTQ community and young people. "I am standing for election because I believe that our political system, which impinges on every aspect of our lives, should be accessible to everyone."

In case you missed it. #VoteGreen2016 https://t.co/sgKc1OaPyS @ellenfromnowon @n_wbelfastgreen @queergreens pic.twitter.com/5s7CuF3BB9

— GreenPartyNI (@GreenPartyNI) January 14, 2016

Murray wants to tackle areas like equal rights for LGBTQ people, an improvement in mental health supports, access to appropriate healthcare for trans people, social deprivation and abortion reform.

I'm running in the @niassembly elections this May, for the @GreenPartyNI in West Belfast! :) — Ellen Murray (@ellenfromnowon) January 14, 2016

Green Party leader in Northern Ireland Steven Agnew said Ms Murray was a fantastic campaigner. "I am proud to be part of a party that is open and welcoming to all, culminating in Ellen's selection by the grassroots membership in West Belfast." Lead Image via The Belfast Telegraph.