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
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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 www.daramats.comand follow along on Instagram at @daramats for 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.
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