Rose of Tralee has not banned transgender women

THE Rose of Tralee International Festival has not banned transgender women from entering the event, contrary to a report in the Irish Daily Mirror.

Speaking to Ray D’Arcy on RTÉ Radio 1, in his only interview on the matter, the Executive Chair of the Rose of Tralee International Festival, Anthony O’Gara, has confirmed that transgender women are welcome to apply to become a Rose.

He said that transgender women are women. There is no rule banning women - including transgender woman - from entering.

Mr O’Gara said that the organisation is serious about its inclusiveness but wants to take care of those who put themselves in the public eye through the festival.

He said that the Rose of Tralee Festival is in the media, it’s on TV and they have a duty of care to all the people who come on board. If they have a particular point of view or a particular aspect to their personal lives, the festival organisers try to ensure that it isn’t abused and put out there on the basis of someone trying to sell newspapers or otherwise.

The search for the 2017 Rose of Tralee is underway and women may apply online at www.roseoftralee.ie/apply

Meanwhile, applications are open for the Cavan Rose for 2017 through the Cavan Rose Centre. Check them out on Facebook.