Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) joined IT Carlow, WIT, Carlow College, Mary Immaculate College and NUIG, to launch Ireland’s first National Gender Identity & Expression Equality Champion Network for Higher Education Institutions, supported by ShoutOut, a charity working to create inclusive services in educational institutions.

The launch of the Network on Transgender Day of Visibility is the culmination of over two years work by the partner colleges. The HEA Gender Equality Enhancement Fund supported projects aim to embed Gender Identity and Expression training and awareness in the Higher Education Sector.

The National Gender Identity and Expression Equality Champion Network represents a voluntary community of individuals working in relevant roles within their HEIs. This group are working to end discrimination based on gender identity and expression through training, awareness, policy development and information-sharing across institutions. In particular the Network aims to assist institutions in ensuring that non-binary, trans and other LGBTQ+ staff do not experience unfair treatment and enable staff to become allies of the LGBTQ+ community.

This network will initially involve staff members from the six partner colleges, including TUS, with a goal to include all in the sector. Interested HEIs should email equalityanddiversity@lit.ie further information.

Welcoming the launch of the Network, Dr Carol Wrenn, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager in TUS said “The funding provided by the HEA Gender Equality Enhancement Fund and training provided by Shout Out has awareness of gender identity and expression amongst our staff. There has been a strong uptake and demand for this training.  We are delighted to be a partner in  launching this network and work with our colleagues in Higher Education Institutions to deepen our work on advancing gender equality.”

Vice President for People, Culture, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at TUS added, “This is the second phase of our collaborative work within Irish Higher Education through the HEA Gender Equality Enhancement Fund.  We have worked closely with our Network partners to provide gender identity and expression training and education for staff members, including senior leaders and HR staff, in HEIs. The establishment of the National will further assist partner institutions in ensuring that non-binary, trans and other LGBTQ+ staff and students in HEIs are fully supported and treated equally, and to enable staff to become allies of the LGBTQ+ community.”