Members of the Reach Out Network, the HSE’s national staff network for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) staff and allies took part in Dublin’s annual Pride parade.
They were joined by National Ambulance Service vehicles, where they proudly displayed their Pride colours as the group made its way down O’Connell Street as part of the 2024 Pride Parade.
“Pride is an amazing international event that celebrates the breadth of sexual and gender diversity across humanity. It cries out a message of support to people facing difficulty because of their sexual or gender identity. Primarily, it challenges politics of denial and oppression to engage in fundamental change that leads to safety, respect, and welcome of who we truly are as humans across the globe. The HSE Reach Out Network joins Pride in the knowledge that such change begins here with us, across our organisation” said Ray Leonard, HSE Reach Out Network Chair.
Throughout the summer, Reach Out Network members, HSE staff and allies participated in Pride parades across the country from Bord na Gaeltachta in Donegal, to Galway, Roscommon and Cork, and many more similar events across the country.
“Pride month is a time of celebration and inclusion. HSE participation in Pride parades right across the country continues to grow every year. We actively encourage allies to participate in national and regional Pride parades and show their support for LGBTQIA+ staff. Allyship in the workshop is required every month of the year and not just for June Pride,” said Cathy Blake, HSE Reach Out Network Vice-Chair.
The Reach Out Network, established in 2017, has members from all parts of the HSE. The Network acts as a representative voice for LGBTQIA+ employees, a forum where staff can discuss experiences and share insights in a safe space, and a resource on LGBTQIA+ topics. Membership of the Reach Out Network has grown significantly over the past three years, with HSE staff and allies from a broad range of disciplines and work locations joining up. The Network has plans to reach out to even more HSE staff in the years to come.
