#Progress with Pride - Rainbow Walkway Panel Discussion

Monday 11 October, 4pm

In celebration of National Coming Out Day, the LGBT+ Staff Network and Student LGBTQ+ Society, in partnership with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Unit, UCC President John O’ Halloran will offically unveil the UCC Rainbow Walkway - the first institution-led rainbow walkway on an Irish university campus. Together with our collaborators in local and national LGBT+ networks and initiatives, we celebrate this important addition to the wider efforts of creating inclusive communities on Campus and across Cork City. 

An Online Panel discussion will take place at 4pm connecting this intiative with a wide audience. 

The walkway symbolised the progress made at UCC and nationally since the first LGBT+ Staff and Students groups were established in the 1980s (the first in an Irish university) by Cathal Kerrigan and Joan McCarthy.  The Rainbow Walkway is well researched and considered process with its design based on the Progress Flag as used in the image above, design credit is Valentino Vecchietti. Find out more about the flag design on the EDI website here.

Show your support and take your #Progress with Pride Photo - To show your support for UCC’s diverse community, we invite you to take a photo of yourself and/or your friends at the new UCC Rainbow Walkway (located between ORB and Boole) and post on social with the hashtag #progresswithpride @UCC.

Together with and for Community

UCC LGBT+ Staff Network: The Network was founded in 2007 after an initial open consultation forum on Meeting the Needs of LGBT staff in UCC. Its aim is to work in partnership with management and staff of University College Cork to create a safe, inclusive and diverse working environment that encourages a culture of respect and equality for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation, in order that every individual can reach their full potential without fear of discrimination. During Equality Week 2019, the LGBT+ Staff Network launched the new UCC Rainbow Alliance in response to queries from colleagues who do not identify as LGBT+ asking how they can help and support the network. 

UCC LGBT* Society: This Student Society’s main aim is to provide a safe space for its’ members & raise awareness of LGBT issues through various campaigns and events. 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Unit: The establishment of an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Unit in University College Cork in 2017 built on the long legacy and core focus on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion across the University's teaching, research and policy activity with and by staff and students. It extends the work of the UCC Equality Committee, which has existed for many years, advising the University on equality, diversity and inclusion and delivering a wide range strategies, reports and initatives. 

Cork City: Cork City has pursued LGBTI+ inclusion for many years, drawing in the strong vibrant LGBTI+ community in Cork. Cork City is the first and only city on the island of Ireland to have become a member of the International Rainbow Cities Network, who pledge to protect and enhance LGBTI+ rights and inclusion. Cork City Council was the first city and public building to officially fly the Rainbow Flag; raised in Cork City by the Lord Mayor in 2014. 

UCC Community Week: This event is part of UCC Community Week 2021. During Community Week, staff and students across the university come together with community and public sector partners to host community focussed events and activities. The week long programme of events celebrates UCC as a civically engaged university.