'They want to silence people like me': Leitrim Pride Chair speaks out on death threats

Meryl McGowan, a trans woman from Drumshanbo and Chairperson of Leitrim Pride, has spoken out about the relentless abuse she faces for simply being who she is.

In a frank and powerful interview, Meryl revealed that she receives death threats and online hate on a regular basis—targeted not only for her gender identity but for her outspoken activism.

“The abuse ramped up again after we joined the counter-protest in Dublin against the far-right march calling for mass deportations,” she said. “I was vocal, yes—but they hate that I’m trans. They hate that I exist, that I’m visible.”

While she says physical threats in her hometown have declined over the years, online harassment continues to follow her. “People don’t usually say things to my face anymore. But online? Constantly. They hide behind fake profiles. Cowards, the lot of them.”

Meryl, who has been openly trans for over 12 years, says her long-standing visibility in the community has made her a target—but also a symbol of resilience.

“I refuse to be meek or pushed around,” she said. “People like me—queer people, trans people—we’ve always had to fight to be seen. I’m not going anywhere.”

Despite the abuse, she’s committed to staying in Leitrim and building community. As Chair of Leitrim Pride, she organises regular events including coffee mornings in Carrick-on-Shannon—the next of which takes place on May 17 at noon in the Market Yard. Pride Week is scheduled for August 25–31, with the Pride March planned for August 30 at 2pm.

When asked if she reported the threats to Gardaí, Meryl said no. “No point,” she said. “I’ve had guards threaten to press charges against me after I was assaulted. I’ve never been protected by them. I don’t trust the system.”

She says her experiences with law enforcement have left her and others in the LGBTQ+ community feeling unprotected and unheard. “It’s not just one bad cop—it’s systemic. I’ve had more run-ins with Gardaí for standing up for myself than any of the people harassing me.”

Still, Meryl refuses to back down.

“They want to silence people like me. But I’m louder now. I’m not afraid of them—I’m proud of who I am.”

READ MORE Emmy-winning show featuring Leitrim airs stateside