Niamh Byrne (she/her)

Proud member of the transgender community, but that doesn’t define who she is. Niamh is a daughter, a sister, an aunt. Niamh is an engineer, Niamh is a friend, Niamh is a colleague, Niamh is serious, Niamh is a messer, Niamh is sporty, Niamh is a gamer, Niamh is complex like everyone.

Niamh hid herself away for over 35 years, during which time she portrayed a happy person on the outside while miserable on the inside. Afraid to show people who she really was, for fear of being rejected by family, friends, and society in general. This took its toll on her during her 20’s, where she battled depression and suicide. 

Covid and the loss of an old friend leading up to the pandemic, put life into perspective for Niamh. She realized that our time on this earth is brief, and that we all deserve to be happy and more so be true to ourselves. 

Niamh started her journey, not knowing where it would lead, but knew she could no longer live a lie. It was time that she lived her true happy life. This was a scary moment in time for Niamh, she didn’t know if she would lose family, friends, colleagues. Would this be the end of her career?

She soon realized how progressive and amazing society was, once they got to know Niamh. Most people who spoke with her have never met a trans person before. They were afraid that they would make a mistake or say something incorrect. It's ok to make mistakes.

Four years on and Niamh is now happy on the inside and outside. By sharing her story with people she lost her anxiety, fear, and depression, she was finally free. People who speak to her, get to see that she is like everyone else they know, just trying to make it through the day, so they can go home and spend quality time with family and friends. 

Niamh hopes that by sharing her story, people will have the strength to start their own journeys, it could be as simple as telling one person. A close friend or family member. But most importantly, that you are an amazing person, and deserve to shine. 

We Are All Human

Here are Niamh's favourite selections, many of which are featured in her Big Gay Playlist show where she also talks about the reasons for choosing them. To listen just click on the picture of Niamh above.

* Queen - I Want To Break Free Queen

* Eminem - When im gone.

* Evanescence - Bring Me To Life

* Finbar Furey - The Lonesome Boatman

* Lady Gaga - Born This Way

* Tones And I -  Johnny Run Away

* Christina Aguilera - Beautiful 

* Avicii - Wake Me Up

* Walking On Cars - Monster 

* Against Me! - Transgender Dysphoria Blues

* Hozier - Take Me To Church 

* Christina Aguilera - Change

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Here's the list of all the shows in this series. 

• 
  Dean Egan

• 
  Kathleen Geoghean

• 
  Niamh Byrne

• 
  Ryan Shannon

• 
  Rory Fleck

• 
  Martin Quilty

• 
  Dylan Hennessy

• 
  John Paul Payne

• 
  Alan Slattery

• 
  Ian Power

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Below are some of the other features running throughout June on KCLR Pride

• 
  THERE'S SOMETHING WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT

• 
  I'M JUST ME

• 
  I'M OUT OUT