Our Bodies, Our Rights, Our Futures - Imagine Festival

In 2019, Northern Ireland took historic steps towards sexual and reproductive justice, with the decriminalisation of abortion and the legalisation of equal marriage. It felt like the dawn of a new era – one where women and pregnant people would finally gain autonomy over their bodies, gender and sexual minorities would be treated with equal dignity, and young people would receive the education and support needed for healthy, fulfilling relationships.

Fast forward six years, and while progress has been made, the vision of a brighter future remains elusive. Join us for a compelling exploration of where we stand today, the challenges that persist, and the steps we must take to achieve true equality and justice for all in Northern Ireland.

• In December, Stormont voted to permanently ban puberty blockers, further restricting healthcare for trans and non-binary people.
• Hate crimes against LGBT people, especially transphobic incidents, have risen sharply since marriage equality.
• Despite abortion decriminalisation, access remains limited due to few trained providers, low awareness, and no telemedicine options.
• Comprehensive sexual and reproductive education promised in 2019 legislation is still delayed, with only consultations and ‘mini’ inquiries so far.

This event is part of The Body Politic, funded by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust. The Body Politic is harnessing the learning from the Repeal campaign in the South and the Decriminalisation campaign in the North to inform future sexual and reproductive justice activism across Ireland.

Join Dr Peter Keogh, Professor of Health and Society at the Open University, Naomi Connor, Co-convenor of Alliance for Choice, Alexa Moore, Policy, Campaigns and Communications Manager of The Rainbow Project, and Roisin Flanagan, Education and Training Manager of Common Youth for an inspiring session where we envision the future we deserve and explore the steps needed to make it a reality.