Women’s rights groups in Ireland plan to protest an HSE-funded breastfeeding conference in Galway because it is due to host US speaker Jacob Engelsman, who will discuss lactation support for gender-diverse families. Critics say his previous talks and writings about male lactation, including for sexual purposes, make his appearance inappropriate and argue that the welfare of babies and support for breastfeeding women should take priority.

The Association of Lactation Consultants in Ireland’s conference is scheduled for 9 and 10 October, and the organisation receives annual HSE grant funding. Engelsman has written that people may seek lactation to feed babies, out of curiosity, for fun or sexual gratification; he has also spoken at US adult lifestyle and fetish events. The ALCI says it does not necessarily endorse speakers’ views, while it and Engelsman had been contacted for comment.