RTÉ and their news reporter have both received widespread acclaim after the 44-year-old changed his name to reflect both male and female genders.
As a gender fluid individual, Clynch sometimes identifies as male and sometimes as female. He/she has worked at RTÉ for the past 16 years and will return in a number of weeks under the name ‘Jonathan Rachel Clynch.’
An official statement from RTÉ said: “[We], both as an employer and broadcaster, value the uniqueness of individuals and encourage diversity and equality.
“We are 100pc supportive of Jonathan Rachel who is a valued member of staff and a highly respected journalist.”
Reaction has been almost universally positive towards both Clynch and RTÉ, with the national broadcaster praised for the dignity of its statement.
Congrats Jonathan Rachel, I really hope that they show the people of Ireland that gender fluidity isn't fake http://t.co/KTDgfCgY7c
— seamus (@hartosexualsmdk) September 12, 2015
https://twitter.com/LukePField/status/642806251190095877
Some people may laugh at Jonathan Rachel Clynch but what he has done takes tremendous courage.
— gerard moloney (@GerardRMoloney) September 12, 2015
https://twitter.com/MartyOPrey/status/642843878232559616
And our favourite…
https://twitter.com/emeramchugh/status/642850286688706560
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