18th June 2025
The INTO LGBT+ Teachers’ Group is proud to announce the online launch of its documentary, “Teachers Like Us: 20 Years of the INTO LGBT+ Teachers’ Group”, marking two decades of activism, support, and progress for LGBT+ primary school teachers in Ireland. Formed in 2004, the INTO LGBT+ Teachers’ Group has helped transform Irish classrooms into more inclusive, safe spaces for all. From its inaugural conference and landmark staffroom guidelines in 2009, to its pivotal role in the 2015 amendment of Section 37.1 of the Employment Equality Act – prior to which the legislation was widely considered to be significant barrier to LGBT+ teachers being out in primary schools – the group has been at the forefront of change.
The documentary centres on the lived experiences of LGBT+ teachers in primary schools across the country. Teachers reflect on how far the system has come and how far it still has to go. One teacher, who ultimately chose not to appear on camera, expressed fears that her identity as an LGBT+ parent could jeopardise her career and put her children at risk of bullying – a stark reminder that stigma persists despite legal protections.
In 2014, the group launched the Different Families, Same Love poster in response to the Department of Education’s Anti-Bullying Procedures, leading to a national competition that continues to empower schools to celebrate family diversity. The group has also developed classroom resources on the history of LGBT+ rights in Ireland and, in collaboration with the INTO, co-created a dedicated CPD summer course for teachers.
“This documentary is both a celebration and a call to action,” said Fiona Murray, chairperson of the group. “We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we cannot overlook the ongoing fear and silence that some of our colleagues still experience.”
John Boyle, General Secretary of the INTO, welcomed the new documentary saying:
For two decades, the INTO LGBT+ Teachers’ Group has played a leading role in our union’s campaigns for respect to be shown and equality to be central in our schools and staffrooms. Their tireless advocacy helped shape history, from challenging discrimination to the realisation of marriage equality. While the fight is far from over, all LGBT+ teachers know this union will always have their backs. I warmly congratulate the group on this wonderful documentary that honours the vital role they play in our union and the sterling work they have done to advance and promote equality in the Irish primary education system.
The documentary is now available to watch online here.