Michael Dillon: Ireland’s Extraordinary Trans Pioneer

September – October 2026
This exhibition explores the remarkable life and legacy of Michael Dillon (1915–1962), a doctor, writer, athlete, Buddhist monk, and the first recorded transgender man to undergo gender-affirming surgery.
The second child of Robert Arthur Dillon, heir to the baronetcy of Lismullen, County Meath, Michael studied medicine at Trinity College Dublin between 1945 and 1951, where he also proved to be a distinguished rower. In 1946, he published ‘Self: A Study in Endocrinology and Ethics’, arguing that people should be able to receive medical treatment that would alter their bodies to match their internal sense of gender.
Weaving text, images, sound, and video, this exhibition traces Dillon’s life, ideas, and enduring influence. It explores his pioneering medical transition, undertaken between 1946 and 1950 with surgeon Sir Harold Gillies. Travelling between terms to England, Dillon underwent at least thirteen separate phalloplasty procedures, helping to pave the way both scientifically and socially for countless trans men who came after him to transition more safely and openly.
Situating Dillon’s story within wider histories of medicine, gender, identity, and social change, the exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to discover a little-known Irish historical figure whose life challenged conventions and helped shape modern understandings of transgender experience.
A special public conversation on Michael Dillon’s life, legacy, and enduring relevance will take place on Thursday, 8 October from 6:30 to 7:30pm in the Outhouse Theatre. Featuring Ruadhán Ó Criodáin, CEO of ShoutOut, in conversation with exhibition curator Francis Fay, the event will explore Dillon’s extraordinary story and reflect on the continuing significance of his experiences for the trans community today. Free admission; advance booking via Eventbrite here
The exhibition will be open to the public on the following dates and times:

Saturday, 26 September from 11:00am to 6:00pm
Tuesday, 29 September from 1:00pm – 9:00pm
Wednesday, 30 September from 11:00am – 9:00pm
Thursday, 1 October from 11:00am – 9:00pm
Friday, 2 October from 11:00am – 9:00pm
Tuesday, 6 October from 1:00pm – 9:00pm
Wednesday, 7 October from 11:00am – 9:00pm
Thursday, 8 October from 11:00am – 9:00pm

The exhibition will not be available on the following dates:
27/09, 28/09, 03/10, 04/10, 05/10