EDI | Pride+ Staff Network
About
DCU is an organisation that takes pride in its diversity. In early 2024 the EDI Unit invited LGBTQIA+ colleagues and proud allies to join a Pride Planning Group ahead of June 2024 to led on the development of a programme of events to celebrate Pride in DCU.
Pride is not just for June but is a year-round commitment. With that in mind, the Pride Planning Group evolved into a dedicated staff network for members of the LGBTQIA+ community as well as their allies called Pride+, with its mission; "Diversity Connects Us".
Events and Celebrations
Anniversary of Marriage Equality Referendum
Tuesday 27 May, 12:30-13:30
May 2025 marks ten years since the people of Ireland said ‘Yes’ to marriage equality in a landmark referendum. Much of the referendum’s success was down to a well-organised grassroots campaign, of which several DCU alumni played key roles.
To mark the anniversary of the referendum and reflect on its legacy, in the context of current issues facing LGBTQIA+ communities, all DCU staff are invited to a lunchtime discussion panel session with some DCU alumni who were involved in the Marriage Equality campaign:
— Dr Gráinne Healy, a co-founder and Chairwoman of Marriage Equality Ireland and co-director of Yes Equality;
— Craig Dwyer, Social Media Director for Yes Equality;
— Patrick Sweeney, Social Enterprise Strategy Lead for Yes Equality
Call for Papers: DCU Pride in Teaching & Research
Following on from a successful inaugural ‘DCU Pride in Teaching & Research’ event in 2024, Pride+ will coordinate the second annual event this June as part of activities for Pride at DCU. Expressions of interest are invited from members of the DCU LGBTQIA+ community and allies to present on their teaching practice or research as it relates to LGBTQIA+ themes, at ‘DCU Pride in Teaching & Research 2025’, scheduled for Thursday 12 June.
This event will facilitate DCU’s LGBTQIA+ community to come together to meet, network and make visible their work and impact, through the lens of teaching and research. The event aims to foster dialogue, promote inclusion, and highlight the contribution of DCU’s LGBTQIA+ community to our mission of transforming lives and societies.
Full details can be found in the Call for Papers, and expressions of interest can be made via this Google Form, by submitting a brief abstract (150 words or more).
Abstract submission deadline: Tuesday 3 June 2025
An open invitation to attend the event will be issued to the DCU Community once a schedule of presenters has been finalised.
Pride 2024
Pride+ held their first successful programme of events celebrating Pride throughout June.
Diversity Connects Us
Banners and digital messages celebrating Pride month were displayed and the Trans and Pride flags were flown in support on each campus. DCU's social media avatars showed Pride+'s mission of Diversity Connects Us and DCU President Prof Dáire Keogh welcomed the launch of Pride+ in a President's message on the DCU website.
DCU Pride in Teaching and Research event
The Pride+ staff network, with support from the EDI Unit, hosted a DCU Pride in Teaching and Research event on Thursday 13th June. This event facilitated DCU’s LGBTQ+ community and allies to come together to meet, network and make visible their work and impact, through the lens of teaching and research. The event fostered dialogue, promoted inclusion, and highlighted the contribution of DCU’s LGBTQ+ community to our mission of transforming lives and societies.
Dublin Pride Parade
Members of the DCU Pride+ staff network participated in the Dublin Pride Parade for the first time this year.
How to Join
Please contact prideplus@dcu.ie for information on how to join as a member or a proud ally.