LGBTIQ+ Activism in Irish Higher Education: Looking Back, Moving Forward
On Tuesday 15th February the LGBTQI+ Staff Network at TU Dublin celebrated LGBT History month with a panel discussion on “LGBTQI+ Activism in Irish Higher Education: Looking Back, Moving Forward”. The purpose of this event was to highlight the history of LGBTQI+ activism in Irish higher education and reflect on the lessons learnt and challenges to come. The distinguished speakers included Dr Mary McAuliffe (UCD), Síona Cahill (Gaisce), Dr Páraic Kerrigan (UCD), and Ivana Bacik, TD. The topics covered included the continued need for LGBTQI+ representation in social as well as university life. Concerns were expressed over the emergence of conservatism and the tenuous nature of the achievements in Ireland over the last two decades. The relationship between Catholicism and the LGBTQI+ community was also discussed. Calls were made to establish an alliance of LGBTQI+ staff networks across higher education institutions on the island of Ireland. Organised and hosted by Dr Seán Henry and Dr Conor Horan, the hybrid event was attended by the President Prof David Fitzpatrick, and Director of EDI Prof Yvonne Galligan and the Vice President for Organisational Change and Culture Niamh Shannon. If you are a staff member in TU Dublin and would like to get involved in the network’s activities please email LGBTQIStaff@TUDublin.ie.
