A first for Cork and Ireland
UCC has this week published an action plan with the aim of transforming how LGBT+ inclusion is embedded across teaching, research, campus culture and institutional leadership.
It’s Ireland’s first LGBT+ Action Plan in a higher education institution highlighting, the university said, its ongoing commitment to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion.
Building on more than four decades of LGBT+ activism and allyship at UCC, The Together with Pride: LGBT+ Action Plan 2026–2028 introduces a structured framework for delivering systemic change across five strategic pillars - Foundation, Culture, Success, Growth and Engagement. These pillars will drive actions ranging from policy reform and inclusive curriculum development to expanded staff and student supports, strengthened research networks, and deeper community engagement.
Speaking at the launch, Prof. John O’Halloran, President of UCC, said: “The launch of this action plan is both an 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.”
The plan was developed through an extensive and inclusive consultation process involving staff, students and external partners, ensuring that it reflects lived experience and community priorities.
Reflecting on the journey to this point, Dr Diarmuid Scully, former Co-Chair of the LGBT+ Staff Network (2022–2025), said: “This action 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.”
Looking ahead, Aoife Neary, current Co-Chair of the LGBT+ Staff Network (2023–2025), added: “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+ inclusivity across all aspects of university life and ensuring continued progress into the future.”
Dr Avril Hutch, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at UCC, said: “This plan is about embedding inclusion in practice, not just principle. By setting out clear actions, defined responsibilities and measurable outcomes, it ensures that LGBT+ inclusion is actively progressed, monitored and strengthened across every part of the university.”