GLEN Directors Chris Robson, Cathryn Mannion, Ursula Barry & Eadaoin Ni Chleirigh
GLEN – Gay and Lesbian Equality Network - works to achieve full equality and inclusion for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people in Ireland, and protection from all forms of discrimination.
GLEN believes that high ambitions are necessary in order to achieve high quality outcomes and is committed to delivering ambitious change both for our communities and for Ireland. We are working to achieve a future in which LGB people can make an even more creative and dynamic contribution to the social, economic and cultural development of Ireland.
GLEN is a non-governmental organisation, following a comprehensive and multifacted strategic plan entitled ‘Building Sustainable Change’. This agenda for change emerged from extensive discussion within the LGB community on priorities and directions for change - as documented in The Equality Authority report 'Implementing Equality for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People' and NESF Report No. 27 Equality Policies for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People: Implementation Issues.
GLEN focuses on influencing policy and on working strategically and in partnership with mainstream organisations such as Government, regulatory authorities, trade unions and other social partners in order to achieve change. GLEN is not involved in direct service delivery.
The five year plan Building Sustainable Change, launched by An Taoiseach, Bertie Aherne T.D. in April 2006 is funded by The Atlantic Philanthropies. Aspects of GLEN’s work are funded by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Department of Health and Children. GLEN’s work is guided by the following principles:
- High expectations
- Principled pragmatism
- Radical, yet feasible ambitions
- Commitment to Effectiveness
- Positive Approach
- Building Coalitions
- Preserving Political / Analytical Credibility
Glen is working to make Ireland a place where all LGB people can feel safe and confident about being open about their sexual orientation at home, in work and within the wider community; where LGB people are not discriminated against in laws and in service provision; where relationships and love between LGB people are seen as no different to relationships and love between heterosexual people.
