Maynooth University Department of Education is organising an Equality Event on Friday 29th January 2016. The Event, Opening Conversations: Achieving equality for LGBT people in Irish schools, has been arranged in light of the recent Marriage Equality Referendum debate. This has raised many issues with regard to the experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people in Ireland, not least experiences related to education. The debate has highlighted the need for new conversations and insights to be explored in schools concerning equality and inclusion for LGBT pupils, teachers and parents.
The one-day event is primarily at second level school leaders, board of management members, teachers, guidance counsellors and other education partners, to explore the ways schools are now creating or seeking to create a culture of inclusion.
Working in association with a number of key organisations and arts-based groups, the event will facilitate an open and creative conversation that will enable schools to develop and enhance their policies and practices of inclusion. The opening address will be given by John Lyons TD other contributors on the day include Dr Fergus Ryan (Maynooth University), Sandra Irwin-Gowran (GLEN), Dr Gráinne Healy (Marriage Equality Ireland) and Dr Mary Gannon (Uaisleacht). Through a range of informative, interactive and practical plenaries and workshops, participants will explore the educational, ethical, mental health and legal issues that arise for LGBT people in Irish schools (
Opening Conversations
draft programme). We envisage this event being the first in a series organised to provide a space to discuss and explore the rights and needs of LGBT people in our schools.
If you are interested in attending, please register at http://j.mp/openingconversations before Tuesday 26th January 2016. Places are limited so please register your interest as soon as possible.
The Organising Committee look forward to the event later in the month and to developing our mutual understandings in a spirit of partnership and respect.
Organising Committee
Ms. Angela Rickard (Chairperson)
Dr. Delma Byrne
Dr. Bernie Grumell
Mr. Seán Henry
Mr. Anthony Malone
Dr. Grace O’Grady
Dr. Thomas Walsh