Cork university launches action plan to strengthen LGBT+ inclusion on campus

A framework to support and transform the LGBT+ community at University College Cork will help promote inclusion “at a time of rising anti-LGBT+ discourse and violence.”

The UCC LGBT+ Action Plan is the first of its kind at an Irish university and sets out a long-term strategy to ensure staff and students from the community feel respected, supported and included across all aspects of university life.

Its core aim is to make the inclusion of LGBT+ people an institutional priority by creating a university culture in which they are valued, visible and able to succeed.

The strategy, to be implemented over the next two years, aims to strengthen LGBT+ inclusion across teaching, research, campus culture and institutional leadership through a five-pillar roadmap.

It includes measures to create a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, provide pastoral support, and address structural barriers affecting the experiences and outcomes of LGBT+ staff and students.

Four decades of activism

The plan follows more than four decades of activism at the university, including the recognition of the Gay Society in 1989, making UCC the first institution in the National University of Ireland to recognise an LGBT+ society.

Developed through an extensive consultation process involving staff, students and external partners, the action plan is intended to reflect lived experience and community priorities.

UCC president John O’Halloran said the plan marked “both a historic milestone and a clear expression of UCC’s ambition to lead in LGBT+ inclusion.” 

“It reflects our deep commitment to ensuring that every member of our university community feels valued, supported and empowered to succeed. Together, we are continuing to build a university where everyone truly belongs,” he added.

Activism, advocacy and solidarity

Former co-chair of the LGBT+ Staff Network, Diarmuid Scully, said the plan reflects “decades of activism, advocacy and solidarity within UCC.”

“We remember with gratitude the bravery of early activists, who spoke out at a time when homosexuality was still criminalised.

“As a community, we have worked consistently to advance visibility, equality and belonging, and this plan builds on that legacy to ensure lasting inclusion for future generations,” Mr Scully added.

Current co-chair of the LGBT+ Staff Network, Aoife Neary, said: “At a time of rising anti-LGBT+ discourse and violence globally, it is more important than ever that institutions take meaningful and sustained action.

“This plan sets out a clear path forward for UCC, embedding LGBT+ inclusion across all aspects of university life and ensuring continued progress into the future,” she added.