GMIT formally launches LGBTQ+ and allies staff network

Tuesday, June 08, 2021 Press Office
Press Release
LGBTQ+ AND ALLIES STAFF NETWORK

Guest speakers are Rights Activists Rory O’Neill, Nuala Ward and Poet Anne Walsh Donnelly

GMIT will launch its LGBTQ+ and Allies Staff Network on Monday 14 June (1pm) featuring special guests, LGBTQ+ activists Rory O’Neill, Nuala Ward and poet Anne Walsh Donnelly. The launch will be a simulcast with a gathering of a small group in GMIT’s Galway (Dublin Road campus) whilst being broadcast live to all staff and invited guests on MS Teams.

The event will commence with an address from Dr Orla Flynn, followed by talks from rights activists Rory O’Neill and Nuala Ward. GMIT staff member and poet Anne Walsh Donnelly will read a poem she has written to mark the launch.  The event will conclude with a video showing the raising of the Pride flag at each of GMIT’s five campus in recent weeks. 
The network is motivated by the values of Equality and Fairness, Voice and Visibility, Diversity and Inclusion.  Its goal is to create a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ staff within GMIT and to bring a LGBTQ+ equality perspective into organisational policy, systems, and culture within GMIT. It will promote the network, and its values and goals within GMIT through public-facing events and initiatives.

Dr Orla Flynn, President of GMIT, says:  “I’m really pleased to see this network established in GMIT. It’s so important that all our staff can come to work feeling confident and comfortable in their own skin. If we can ensure such an environment for our staff, this will translate into a similarly welcoming environment for our students.”

Mary Nestor, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Manager at GMIT, says: “The Network will promote diversity and inclusion in the Institute, offer a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ staff, and bring a LGBTQ+ equality perspective to the culture of the Institute.  Every staff member of every sexual orientation and gender identity who wishes to support making GMIT a diverse, inclusive, accepting and safe space is welcome to join this network.”  

Nuala Ward, Human Rights Activist, particularly LGBTQ+ rights, says: ''It is wonderful to see the establishment of the GMIT LGBTQ+ & Allies Staff Networking Group; a positive example for other education providers, ensuring inclusion and a safe space for staff and students alike and I am delighted to be associated with the organisation''.
 

Rory O’Neill, Gay Rights Activist, writer and performer, says: "I'm delighted to be involved in the launch of this LGBTQ+ & allies staff network - it shows that GMIT is proud of its LGBTQ+ staff and wants to create a positive and inclusive culture that enables people to bring their full identity to work."

ENDS

Issued by Regina Daly, GMIT Communications & Press Officer, GMIT, Dublin Road, Galway.
0879618355 (m) regina.daly@gmit.ie   www.gmit.ie/news

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