My Journey as Gypsy and Traveller Ambassador for Wales - by Elizabeth Doran

My name is Elizabeth Doran, and I am proud to stand up for the Gypsy and Traveller community. I am honoured to serve as the first Gypsy and Traveller Ambassador in Wales, from our community. My role is to tackle discrimination, get more transit sites in place, and push for fair planning for our community.

Growing up, I saw the challenges our people faced every day - discrimination, misunderstanding, and a lack of opportunities to have our voices heard.

I chose not to stay silent. Instead, I dedicated myself to speaking out, meeting with decision-makers, raising awareness, and campaigning for equality. Every meeting, every letter, and every conversation has been driven by one goal: to create a better future for Gypsy and Traveller families.

To me, being a Gypsy and Traveller Ambassador is about opening doors that have too often been closed. It is about encouraging young people to believe they can make a difference, protect our culture, and ensure our community is treated with dignity and respect.

I hope my work inspires others to stand up for what is right. Change does not happen overnight, but every step forward matters. My journey is not just about me - it is about every Gypsy and Traveller person who deserves fairness, respect, and an equal voice in society.

This is only the beginning. I will continue to work with governments, organisations, and communities to help build a future where Gypsy and Traveller people are recognised, respected, and never left behind. If my role truly is the first of its kind in Wales, I hope it will be remembered not as the end of a journey, but as the beginning of many more roles for Gypsy and Traveller leaders following in its footsteps.

By Elizabeth Doran

(Photographs courtesy of Elizabeth Doran)