An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 31 O n 11th october 2016 the chief of staff, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, attended the official launch of Defend With Pride, the Irish Defence Forces lesbian, Gay, Bisexu- al, transgender and Allies (lGBtA) Network, which aims to pro- vide support, information and guidance for lGBt personnel and allies who wish to support their colleagues, friends and family. Speaking at the event the chief of staff highlighted the impor- tance of diversity for both our personnel and the organisation, stating: "The provision and fostering of a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, reflective of Irish society is our moral duty and, for the Defence Forces, it means better decision making, better agility, better resilience." A number of guest speakers attended the launch, including Brian Sheehan the executive director of Gay Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN), an NGO that aims to deliver positive change for LGBT people in Ireland. In his address, Brian said: "In a changing Ireland it's easy to think we've done the gay thing now – but we haven't... I can't tell you how proud I am to be here and how brave the young LGBTA are out there and there's no profession barred to them. You have brought the message to the world." The of ficial launch was also par t of the Defence Forces involvement with GLEN's Diversity Champions programme. Catherine Vaughan, a senior manager from Ernst & Young and a diversity champion, spoke on inclusive workplaces: "Diversity isn't an option; you should help everyone be themselves as it helps the organisation." Sgt Richard Muldarry, PSS, Athlone, is the chair of the LGBTA Network and he thanked every- one on behalf of the committee. Richard captured the room with his humorous tale of how he came to terms with being gay, and how he chose this life instead of feeling fake. After coming out he says he was relieved to find that "my friends are still my friends!" Richard's personality captured everyone's attention as he spoke openly of his life experiences with humour and candour. He also thanked the chief of staff and the general staff for their support; Comdt Jane Lawlor "for her passion and determination in bringing the LGBTA Network forward"; and Comdt Eoin McDermot, the Defence Forces Gender, Equality & Diversity Of- ficer, Comdt Lawlor's successor. To the committee he said: "It couldn't have happened without you. It's about joining the dots, because it's as a group that we will complete this, not as individuals." the LgBta network can be contacted by email: defendwithpride@defenceforces.ie the LGBtA Network Launch By SGT WAYNE FITzGERALD PhotoS By SGT WAYNE FITzGERALD & CPL LEE COYLE GOC DFTC Brig Gen Joseph Mulligan, Brian Sheehan (GLEN), COS Vice Admiral Mark Mellett DSM, Catherine Vaughan (Ernst & Young), Sgt Richard Muldarry, Emer O'Reilly, (GLEN's senior lead on Workplace Diversity), Col Anthony McKenna and Comdt Eoghan McDermott. Sgt Caroline Sexton and Cpl Lynn Ryan Sgt Sue Brennan and Sgt Richard Muldarry

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