Since 2022, I’ve become increasingly mystified about the almost excruciating silence around the topic of gender identity in Irish broadcasting. Every few months I come back to the issue. During my most recent explorations I came across a link between gender identity, Ireland’s broadcasting regulator, and Ireland’s largest commercial semi-state body – the Electricity Supply Board, more popularly known as the ESB.
Exploring the concept of gender identity in Ireland is like entering a rhododendron forest. The rhododendron is an invasive alien species here. It blocks light and blocks the growth of native plants and trees. It also grows and propagates quickly, forming a dense thicket that dominates large areas if not carefully controlled.