Maintain the Momentum
Nestled atop the Huckletree building on a balmy summer evening in July, Certified Proud hosted its first in-person event. After launching almost two years ago, surviving a pandemic and a slew of lockdowns, it was a surreal moment for us to be able to bring together member companies, allies, and activists to discuss how to maintain the momentum of LGBTQ+ inclusion post-Pride.
It's a foundational topic for Certified Proud, driving our mission to create more equitable and safe spaces for this community. But we also saw this as an incredible opportunity to connect with the people who have resonated with our message and goal.
Eve Kerton kicked off proceedings, introducing the audience to the amazing array of speakers that so graciously agreed to take part. Broadcaster and performer, Paul Ryder, was our host for the evening. As one of Ireland’s most well-known drag queens, Paul has been at the forefront of the equality movement for years. With his signature wit, he welcomed our three panelists –
Chupi Sweetman, CEO of Chupi
Rebecca Tallon de Havilland, Founder of Trans Project Bootcamp
Liam Redmond, Co-Founder of Certified Proud
The discussion commenced as Paul asked Liam about the origin story of Certified Proud. Liam spoke of the marriage referendum first. While there was understandable euphoria when this passed in favour of equality, the stark reality on the ground was much different. Recounting an incident with a Dublin-based GP who refused to administer a HIV test because of his sexual orientation, and fear over booking accommodation in rural Ireland with his partner, Liam highlighted why Certified Proud was so important. That even on the surface, we feel that there has been change, the truth is LGBTQ+ people still face stigma and discrimination on a regular basis. There is work to be done.
Chupi Sweetman echoed these sentiments in her address. As the CEO of a large business, Chupi represents an important figure in this fight for equality – the ally. An early advocate for Certified Proud, Chupi not only talks the talk, but is committed to making targeted change in how she approaches business. Largely influenced by her trailblazing mother and a wonderfully liberal childhood, Chupi spoke candidly about how this almost blinded her to the extent of the plight. Recognising her own privileges and the position she holds has helped her become an active and powerful member in the movement for LGBTQ+ equality.
Rebecca Tallon de Havilland stole the show with her poignant story of survival and triumph. One of the first transgender women in Ireland to receive a female passport, Rebecca has overcome child abuse, prostitution, drug addiction and rape, but stands tall to this day as an inspiring activist who has dedicated her life to helping trans people flourish and thrive, particularly through her new venture, Project Bootcamp. Her rallying call for more DEI training to help build understanding underlined the importance of the night. Progress has been made, but there’s still so much that needs to be accomplished before parity has been achieved.
And this is why Certified Proud is so important. By holding businesses and organisations accountable for how they approach LGBTQ+ inclusion, we hope to create a society that is safe for members of this community to live, work and just be without repercussion. But we know that we’re not the only group fighting for this cause, and that’s why we launched The Certified Proud Fund – a pot of money taken from our membership fees to support non-profits and other projects that are looking to foster more LGBTQ+ inclusion. And it was an absolute joy to be able to announce the first successful recipients at this event.
Donya Anvari asked each winner to come forward, speak to their mission, and receive their award.
Switchboard, Ireland’s oldest support service for the LGBTQ+ community, almost faced closure due to the pandemic. But with true grit, they persevered through. A vital resource, they’ll use this money to help fund their next volunteer run.
Na Gaeil Aeracha spoke passionately about the need for safe spaces in the sporting world that welcome everyone. Their GAA club was founded in 2020 and with this award they hope to continue to grow their ever-expanding team.
HIV Ireland’s work in helping to reduce the prevalence of the disease in this country is staggering. Certified Proud were delighted to assist in funding the promotion of their new mobile testing unit.
Southill Hub were our final recipients. An integral community centre located in Limerick, Southill Hub will use this money to employ a youth worker specifically for LGBTQ+ youth.
And in a sea of rapturous applause for all the amazing work these non-profits do for the community, our first in-person Certified Proud event came to an end. It was an inspiring and emotional night, reinforcing and galvanising our drive to create a more inclusive and equitable world. We want to extend our thanks to all the speakers, members, and guests who showed up to support us. We’re only getting started – just watch this space!