12th June 2023
The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) continues to support the LGBT+ community, as we celebrate Pride throughout the month of June.
Equality and inclusion remain central to the union’s mission and during Pride month this is never more apparent.
INTO representatives, led by President Dorothy McGinley, will visit schools all over Ireland spanning different patronages, for the powerful INTO Pride Flag campaign.
The flag soaring high symbolises our unwavering dedication to creating inclusive spaces in schools for everyone. We have more schools than ever before requesting a flag in an effort to demonstrate their commitment to LGBT+ inclusion.
As a trade union we remain unequivocal in our support for the LGBT+ community and will be in attendance across the country at Pride parades this summer. As a visual gesture, symbolising the ongoing work of the union, we once more don our pride-inspired logo across a variety of our digital media channels.
During Congress last April, teachers from the LGBT+ community spoke passionately about the challenges the primary education system still faces. Delegates came together to send a message of solidarity and hope to all members of the community across the island of Ireland. Through the work of our Central Executive Committee and the INTO Equality Committee we will continue to challenge bigotry and prejudice.
I want to commend the INTO LGBT+ Teachers’ Group for their hard work throughout the year to give a voice to all LGBT+ teachers within our union. Against the backdrop of a surge in hate on social media channels and physical attacks and harassment on our streets, your work remains as important as it has ever been. I know too how challenging the last number of years have been and I want you to know we will always have your back.
Your Different Families Same Love competition once more shone a spotlight on the many diverse loving families present in our school communities and I congratulate all those who participated, especially the winners.
As we reflect on the challenges faced by our LGBT+ friends, family members and colleagues let us renew our commitment to creating an inclusive society and come together to stand against hate in all its forms.
- John Boyle, INTO General Secretary