It also said that public discussion, though sometimes “uncomfortable” and “contentious”, is central to its purpose.
RTÉ has said it is “disappointed” that Dublin Pride has terminated its media partnership with the national broadcaster.
On Tuesday (14 June), the LGBTQ+ organisation said it made the decision to terminate the partnership in response to two recent episodes of Liveline on RTÉ Radio 1, which focused on gender identity.
“Dublin Pride is both angered and disappointed by the recent unacceptable, triggering and extremely harmful anti-trans “discussions” that have been given a platform on Joe Duffy’s Liveline on RTÉ Radio 1,” a Dublin Pride statement read.
“As an official media partner of Dublin Pride, but more importantly as Ireland’s national broadcaster, we expect better than for RTÉ to stoke the flames of anti-trans rhetoric.”
In response, RTÉ said it is “here to serve everyone” and that it has sought to include LGBTQ+ communities and “extend understanding” through specially produced content, campaigns and partnerships.
However, the national broadcaster also added that public discussion, though “sometimes uncomfortable, difficult and contentious”, is central to its prescribed purpose.
“RTÉ is disappointed with the decision to end a partnership we had developed together with a range of bodies over the last three years,” its statement reads.
“Standing with the LGBTQ+ community during Pride month sends an important signal that RTÉ is here to serve everyone, and over the last three years, RTÉ has sought to include these communities and extend understanding through a range of specially produced content, campaigns and partnerships.
“Public discussion – sometimes uncomfortable, difficult, and contentious – is central to RTÉ’s prescribed purpose.
“RTÉ is acutely aware that discussions on issues such as gender and identity are deeply personal to many.
“It is important we listen to them, their families and those close to them, and it is also important that we allow our audiences engage with and understand the issues involved.
“RTÉ will, consistent with its statutory obligations, respond to any formal complaints concerning the broadcasts.”
The national broadcaster said it will continue to stand with its LGBTQ+ staff and the wider community during Pride month and beyond.
“In time, we hope that we will once again get the opportunity to continue to develop our partnership with Dublin Pride,” it added.
The Dublin Pride parade is set to take place in the city on Saturday, 25 June.
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