Identity is a complex thing. It is a combination of traits and characteristics, roles, social relationships and group memberships that define who you are. It defines you throughout your life.

Tonight BBC Newsline shared the story of an 81-year old transgender women who underwent surgery only 12 years ago. She said “I may be old, but at least I am happy.”

Every week in Belfast, around three people present themselves as transgender to the Regional Gender Identity and Psychosexual Service. There are currently 200 people being treated by the clinic with an additional 50 on the waiting list.

At Stormont today we saw the launch of a gender identity panel, formed by the group Focus: The Identity Trust.

This platform seeks to take a strategic approach to raising the issues of transgender people and people close to them. It hopes to help create a more acceptable society; one without discrimination, shame, isolation or fear.

Alyson Kilpatrick, a chair of the panel, wants human rights law to protect every transgender individual. The European Convention of Human Rights is meant to protect all people, but the law hasn’t been sufficient in protecting transgender people. These individuals do not want special treatment, but to be treated the same as everyone else.

Human rights should be free, not something people should have to fight for.

Junior Minister Megan Fearon joined today’s event with great enthusiasm, and pointed out the many issues that transgender people face on a daily basis.

Ms Fearon shared a great lesson she received from her mother: “The only thing we all have in common is that we are different”. We should hold on to this thought.

Focus: The Identity Trust also awarded three individuals for their positive work in our society. Stephanie Mitchel, Belfast Friendship Club Coordinator, provides a safe, open space for everyone. Jilly Beattie, journalist at The Daily Mirror and Belfast Live has sought to push for a place of all equals. Aisling Cartmill from Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre provides employment, training and education to everyone, no matter what their background is.

They say “just be yourself” but sometimes this is easier said than done. Some people are afraid to be themselves; they are afraid to be rejected by society, by their own friends and family.

Groups like Focus give people a sense of social identity and belonging. None of us want to live in a world where we are afraid of being who we are. Gatherings like this show we can be brought together through difference.