Limerick equality and diversity advocate launches book about growing up as a Jehovah's Witness

GROWING up with anything that can set you apart or mark you out as in any way different is sometimes challenging. 

For Trish Bourke, she reflects on her experiences of growing up in rural Ireland as part of one of the first Jehovah's Witness families in the country.

She transformed this unique experience and perspective into something wonderful with an inspiring new book. 

Her new memoir “Unwitnessed” explores a rare insight into the kind of life that many people, even now, still might not know that much about. 

The powerful memoir delves into navigating a complex belief system and how Trish made the courageous leap and decided to pursue a different path in her own life. 

Trish pursued third level education and now boasts a successful career as a leading advocate for equality and diversity within the higher education sector. 

READ ALSO: Fundraiser for Mid-West domestic abuse survivors organised by Limerick students is well supported

Trish lives in Galway and works as a senior staff officer in equality, diversity and inclusion in the Technological University of the Shannon, in all campuses across the Mid-West and the Midlands.

As part of her job, she  speaks nationally on the psychological impact of coercive religious systems and the resilience it takes to rebuild a self after control.

Speaking at the launch, Trish said: “I am thrilled to be here today surrounded by my colleagues and friends. This is an extremely proud moment, and I hope that my book will inspire others who may feel silenced. 

“In my role in equality, diversity, and inclusion, I advocate for voices that have been historically ignored or erased. For years, mine was one of them.”

Trish explained: “I grew up in a high-control religious environment where questioning was punished, autonomy was suppressed, and conformity was a spiritual obligation. 

“The things I now fight for professionally - consent, gender equity, inclusion, bodily autonomy, psychological safety - were exactly the things denied to me growing up. 

“That contradiction lived inside me for a long time.”

She added that the book was a way for her to give a voice to her own experiences and to talk about the community she grew up being part of. 

“This memoir was my way of breaking that silence, not just for myself, but for others who have endured similar systems - whether religious, cultural, or familial. 

“I wanted to give shape to experiences that are often invisible, especially in an Irish context. 

“I wanted to show how shame can be inherited, how healing is nonlinear, and how identity can be reclaimed — even after it's been stripped away.”

She describes her book “Unwitnessed” powerfully and emotively as: “A memoir for anyone who was silenced, but fought their way back to full volume.”

She said that her upbringing brought with it challenges and obstacles to be overcome. 

She said that she grew up in a rural Irish town “where isolation, scrutiny, and strict religious control” defined her childhood and adolescence.

Unwitnessed chronicles the journey from indoctrination to liberation: the shame and self-surveillance of adolescence, the suppression of talents, the struggle for education, the pain of familial and congregational control, and finally the courage it took to leave, deprogram, and rebuild.

The book was officially launched at TUS Athlone campus, with colleagues, friends and members of the community all gathering to celebrate Trish's literary achievement and her career-long dedication to social justice.

President of TUS, Professor Vincent Cunnane gave the welcome address at the book launch in TUS Athlone campus. 

He said: “Trish’s bravery in sharing her story is inspirational. 

“Her journey from leaving a life that she knew didn’t serve her, to becoming a national voice for inclusion, is a powerful testament to her strength, courage and determination.”

He added that education can be and often is a powerful tool - it can open doors for people and bring opportunities where they couldn't see any before. 

Professor Cunnane said: “It also shows the transformative power of education.  Her story reminds us that every individual deserves the opportunity to find their voice, achieve their potential, and contribute to a more equitable society." 

“Unwitnessed” is published by Menma Books and will be available in Easons and all good bookshops soon. 

To pre-order, visit www.menmabooks.eu and to learn more about Trish's story and listen to an accompanying soundtrack for the book, visit unwitnessed.net.