On the 12th of April,BeProud@Cplhosted it's #ZeroDiscriminationDay Event in our offices in Percy Place. Many people face discrimination every day, both in and outside of work.
We are working hard to reduce any unconscious bias and raise awareness of discrimination at work and outside of work.The event consisted of four very inspiring guest speakers, Philippa Ryder, Robbie Lawlor, Liam O' Reilly and our own Mei Lin Yap.
Our first speaker wasRobbie Lawlor, who shared his experiences of discrimination based on having HIV in Ireland. A HIV Advocate and former Mr Gay Ireland, Robbie is passionate about issues surrounding HIV both nationally and globally. He has previously said that ignorance about HIV has spurred him on to speak publicly about how people with the virus can live a normal life. He works on various projects to create visibility around HIV, the issues surrounding HIV and informing the public about their key role in overcoming these issues.
Philippa Ryderis a transgender woman who works for the Property Registration Officer, and Director of TENI Transgender Equality Network Ireland. She regularly gives talks about her work within the LGBT+ community and about her transition, encouraging and supporting those who may be facing similar difficulties. She spoke passionately about her transition, the impact on her and her family and how bias has affected her in and out of work.
Liam O' Reillyis a teacher in religious education and music and is currently undergoing a Masters in Chaplaincy Studies and Pastoral work at DCU. Liam shared what religious discrimination in the workplace can look like from both a theoretical and anecdotal perspective.
Finally, our ownMei Lin Yapdelivered a powerful speech on what it's like to look for a job as a woman with a disability. Mei Lin is a member of the Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities and the School of Education and works in Cpl across numerous teams and divisions. Mei Lin is an avid swimmer who will be representing Ireland in Nova Scotia this summer.