Rose of Tralee contestants with Roses last year, Source: Rolling News

THE ROSE OF Tralee International Festival has not banned transgender women from entering the event, contrary to a report earlier today.

The report had led to an outpouring of commentary on the presumed ban, including from former contestant Brianna Parkins:

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However, the Executive Chair of the Rose of Tralee International Festival, Anthony O’Gara, confirmed that transgender women are welcome to apply to become a Rose.

Speaking to Ray D’Arcy on RTÉ Radio 1, he said that transgender women are women.

There is no rule banning women – including transgender women – from entering.

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

He also said that the Rose of Tralee Festival is in the media, is broadcast on television, and so the festival has 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.

He said that the search for the 2017 Rose of Tralee is underway and women can apply online.