Karen Sugrue on Trans Rights, Reproductive Rights and Feminism

In this powerful episode of Healing Gals Podcast, I’m joined by
psychotherapist, sociology lecturer, and accidental activist
Karen Sugrue for a deeply honest conversation
about motherhood, feminism, activism, and the urgent fight for
trans rights and reproductive justice in Ireland.


Karen shares her experience as co-chair of Mammies for
Trans Rights alongside Claire Flynn, speaking candidly
about the fears many parents carry when raising trans children,
the harmful pressures around “passing,” and why protecting trans
lives and dignity matters now more than ever.


We also talk about Karen’s activism in the fight for reproductive
rights through Together for Safety, and the
campaign for safe access zones with voices like Evie Murphy, Jan
O’Sullivan, and Annie Hoey helping to push this work forward.


This conversation goes far beyond policy. We explore the
emotional and social realities women are carrying right now —
from the devastating impact of Covid, to the unequal burden of
care placed on women, to the importance of honouring our bodies,
trusting ourselves, and believing other women.


We also unpack the rise of the far right, the power of speaking
up, and why, as Karen says, the act of complaining can be
an act of power.


We touch on the work and writing of feminist thinkers including
Mona Eltahawy, Kimberlé Crenshaw, bell hooks, and Sarah Ahmed,
and discuss the links between misogyny, racism, dehumanisation,
and the violence women continue to face online and offline.


This is a conversation about courage, care, resistance, and what
it means to keep showing up for each other.


In this episode, we discuss:




Karen’s work as a psychotherapist, sociology lecturer, and
activist




Parenting, fear, and advocacy when your child is trans




Mammies for Trans Rights and the fight for trans safety and
dignity




The pressure and politics of “passing”




The rise of far-right narratives and anti-trans rhetoric




Reproductive rights activism and the campaign for safe access
zones




The unequal burden women carried during Covid




Care work, emotional labour, and honouring our bodies




Believing ourselves and believing other women




Feminist texts and thinkers shaping this work




Racism, dehumanisation, and violence against women in digital
spaces




If this episode resonated with you, please share it, rate the
podcast, and send it to someone who needs to hear it.


Season 6 of the Healing Gals Podcast is proudly sponsored byDARA
Mats — luxury yoga mats designed to support your wellness journey
both onand off the mat. You can explore the full collection at
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wellness inspiration, newlaunches, and more. There’s also a
special discount code exclusively forHealing Gals listeners
shared at the end of Episode 1.


Healing Gals Podcast is intended for entertainment
andinformational purposes only and is not a substitute for
professional medicaladvice, diagnosis, therapy, or mental health
support. If this episode brings upanything difficult for you,
please reach out to a qualified healthcareprofessional or trusted
support service.


Ireland Support Services: • Samaritans – Call 116 123
(24/7support) • Pieta – Call 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444 •
Text About It –Free text HELLO to 50808 • HSE Mental Health
Supports: ⁠HSEMental Health Services⁠


Remember, you are good enough exactly as you are.