COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, December 13, 2021

QUESTION NO. 29

QUESTION: Councillor F. Timmons

To ask for an update report on what progress has been made on the LGBT Inclusion Strategy

REPLY:

South Dublin County Council has continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to LGBTQ+ equality and the LGBTQ+ community through a variety of actions, during 2021.

Provided below is a sample of the work that has been undertaken to meet actions contained in the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019 - 2021:

• The Pride Flag is flown at County Hall and Civic Offices Clondalkin in recognition of Pride Week each June. In 2021 SDCC flew to the new inclusive Pride flag.
• The Transgender Pride Flag was flown at County Hall and Civic Offices Clondalkin for one week from Wednesday, 31 March 2021 in recognition of International Transgender Day of Visibility 2021. The flag is flown annually to observe this day of visibility.
• The Transgender Pride Flag was flown on Saturday, 20 November 2021 in recognition of International Transgender Day of Remembrance 2021. The flag is flown annually to observe this day of remembrance.
• Council policies, plans and staff forms are equality and gender proofed on an ongoing basis.
• The South Dublin LGBT+ Network was set up through South Dublin County Council Social Inclusion Unit and the South Dublin Public Participation Network to create a safe space and to ensure the LGBT+ community have a voice across the County.
• In 2021 members from the LGBT+ community participated in South Dublin County Council’s Social Inclusion Week to promote diversity and inclusion while championing equality. In addition, a successful bus shelter campaign took place at various locations around the County to promote the Network. The Pride flag was also raised for the first time in Tallaght stadium during the Pride celebrations. Discussion are ongoing for the painting of park benches, and a zebra crossing, in the LGBT+ colours to promote awareness of the LGBT+ community living in our County. The Network members and allies aim to drive this project forward to ensure greater representation county-wide from the LGBT+ community.
• The South Dublin County Council LGBTQ+ Staff Network, (founded in October 2017), partnered with the Dublin City Council LGBT+ Staff Network to hold the ‘Trans Pride at Work’ webinar in March 2021. The Network has continued to provide a staff LGBTQ+ information page through the Council’s Intranet. The Council’s Equality Officer supports the Executive of the Network.
• The LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019 – 2021 was considered in the assessment of equality and human rights issues as part of the development of the SDCC Equality and Human Rights Framework to meet our responsibilities under Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) Act 2014.