LGBTI+ Inclusion
Cork City Council's Commitment to LGBTI+ Inclusion
LGBTI+ Social Inclusion in Cork City Council promotes equality and inclusion for LGBTI+ people across the city through a community led and partnership‑based approach.
Cork LGBTI+ Awareness Week
Each year Cork marks May 17th, the International Day Against Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) with LGBTI+ Awareness Week, reaffirming our commitment to equality, inclusion, and solidarity. Learn more about Cork LGBTI+ Awareness Week
LGBTI+ Social Inclusion Development Officer
Cork City Council was the first Local Authority in the country to appoint an LGBTI+ Social Inclusion Development Officer. Their role focuses on reducing social exclusion, addressing inequality, and supporting LGBTI+ communities to participate fully in civic, social, cultural and economic life.
Working across Cork City and in close collaboration with LGBTI+ communities, the community and voluntary sector, and statutory agencies, the role supports the development, coordination and delivery of inclusive policies, programmes and services. A key part of the role is ensuring that the voices, experiences and priorities of LGBTI+ people inform local decision making, service design, and policy development.
The Officer works closely with Cork’s LGBTI+ Interagency Group, supporting coordinated, cross sectoral action to respond to identified needs and emerging issues. In addition, the role plays a central part in supporting and coordinating LGBTI+ Awareness Week in Cork City, working alongside community organisations and partners to increase visibility, celebrate diversity and promote inclusion.
Through community led practice, collaboration and advocacy, the LGBTI+ Social Inclusion Development Officer supports the creation of a city where LGBTI+ people feel valued, safe, visible, and included.
Contact:
Graham Nagle, LGBTI+ Social Inclusion Development Officer
Email: graham_nagle@corkcity.ie
L-R: Martin Davoren, Cork City Council, Mary Crowley, Courts Service, John Sheehan, ACFO Cork City Fire Brigade, Inspector Dave Noonan and Superintendent John Deasy, Anglesea Street Garda Station, and Kevin Higgins, 3rd Officer Cork City Fire Brigade.
Fun Facts
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.
In June 2022, Cork installed two Rainbow Crossings in the heart of the city, on Patrick’s street. The design is unique to Cork, as it incorporates both the 6 bands of the traditional Rainbow Flag and also the progressive chevron representing people of colour , transgender and intersex identities.
Deputy Lord Mayor at the time, Cllr Damian Boylan welcomed these colourful and inclusive additions to the city’s public realm saying “These Crossings are a powerful and progressive symbol of the City’s support for and collaboration with Cork’s LGBTI+ Communities, we’re delighted that our Rainbow City now has some Rainbow Crossings. Commissioned jointly by the Cork LGBT+ Pride Festival and Cork’s LGBTI+ Inter-Agency Group , with the active support of Cork City Council the Rainbow Crossings are a visible and physical symbol of our commitment to being an open, welcoming and inclusive city.“
Rainbow Cities Network
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 became a member of the Rainbow Cities Network in 2020.
The LGBTI+ Social Inclusion Development Officer aims to support the enactment of the Rainbow Cities Network Action Plan, ‘Policy Guidelines for Municipalities’. These guidelines foster shared learning and best practice from a global perspective with over 60 cities in membership. The practical benefits of Cork City Council’s leadership as a board member of the Rainbow Cities Network are enhanced social cohesion and improved quality of life for LGBTI+ people living in Cork city.
The cities of the Network, through their representatives, invest efforts inresearching and solving the challenges faced by the LGBTI community, with the goal of gaining understanding, raising awareness. and advocating for inclusiveness and equality.
Rainbow cities is a growing network of international cities concerned with LGBTI+ policies. Find out more: https://www.rainbowcities.com/
Rainbow Cities in Action Policy Guidelines
Access the above mentioned guidelines here https://www.rainbowcities.com/in-action/
Rainbow Cities in Action - Policy Guidelines for Municipalities
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