Zurich Ireland and Dublin Pride through the years

In 2021, Zurich in Ireland partnered with Dublin Pride for the first time with the aim to create a work environment which is inclusive and safe, where everyone feels heard and is offered the same opportunities.

During that first year we held a series of Listen & Learn sessions covering topics including inclusive culture, trans awareness, intersectionality, microaggressions and HIV in Ireland. Our hope was to encourage conversation and learning around LGBTQ+ topics in a safe space.

In 2022, we embraced June as Pride Month with a host of events both virtual and in person. From coffee mornings to bingo, there was a chance for everyone to get involved. 2022 was also the first time we introduced personal stories. We began with an insightful and inspiring ‘This Is Us, This Is Me’ session from Wexford’s Laura Corrigan. We also heard from TV personality Oliver Callan, who shared his story on growing up gay in Ireland and we had talks on how to create an environment of respect and understanding in the workplace. To round off the month we took to the streets for the first time and joined the Dublin Pride march and parade.

2023 marked an important year for Dublin Pride as it marked a series of anniversaries of important events in the history of Pride and LGBTQ+ rights in Dublin. It’s the 50th anniversary of the first LGBTQ+ group in Dublin, Sexual Liberation Movement, which was based in Trinity College. It’s also the 40th anniversary of the famous march to Fairview Park and first Dublin Pride Parade, and the 30th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland.

What does 2024 have in store?

As we take our place once again in the Dublin Pride March & Parade on Saturday 29th June, we are delighted to see our participation numbers growing with employees, friends and families coming together in support of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB).

As well as the Parade, we have an exciting programme of events for Zurich employees. These events are for everyone – whether part of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally or perhaps interested in hearing and learning more.

Wed 24th May: Gender 101

We will host a Gender 101 session with Dublin Pride. In this session we provide a safe space to learn about the complexity and the beauty of gender and address your questions.

Sat 27th May: Pride in the Park

Pride in the Park returns to Min Ryan Park, Wexford, on Saturday 27th May.

Tue 4th June: Pride coffee morning

All staff are invited to join a coffee morning in our offices in the IFSC, Blackrock and Wexford on Tuesday 4th June.

Wed 5th June: Zurich & Tackle Your Feelings

In collaboration with Tackle Your Feelings, we are delighted to announce a panel discussion with some of our Tackle Your Feelings ambassadors.

Wed 12th June: National Gallery

The National Gallery is one of Zurich Ireland’s proud partners and will host an event celebrating LGBTQ+ artists and art held in the National Gallery.

13th June: Introduction to all things LGBTQ+. This event is hosted by VHI

Chris Rowan of ‘Belong To LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland’ will deliver an accessible workshop which is a universal introduction to all things LGBTQ+, helping us all understand the things we can do in the workplace, at home or with friends to be better allies.

Tue 18th June: This is Us, This is Me / How to be an ally

Being an LGBTQ+ ally can make a huge difference for those in the workplace as well as in everyday life. Whether you show your allyship by showing up to Pride parades or just standing up against homophobia or transphobia. It is super easy too – but sometimes we may worry about using our voices in case we offend or say the wrong thing. Zurich employees are invited to this talk to examine the power of allies, confronting our own bias and identifying hurtful or damaging language.

26th June: Diversity and Inclusion: embracing differences. This event is hosted by VHI

Join us in support of Pride 2024 featuring a keynote address from the inspiring Joy Neville. Joy, a former International Irish Rugby Player and International Rugby Referee from Limerick, as well as a proud mother, will share her insights on overcoming barriers related to gender, diversity, inclusion, and breaking the mold in traditionally male-dominated environments. As we celebrate Pride Month and this year’s theme, Joy's talk will be filled with anecdotes from her career, providing valuable lessons on how to transform negative experiences into positive outcomes.

Sat 29th June: Dublin Pride march and parade

As part of our partnership with Dublin Pride, we will once again join the Dublin Pride march and parade on Saturday 29th June.