1991
‘Why are we waiting?’
A publication of the Community Workers Co-operative, prepared as a submission to the Dublin Transportation Review Group.
The first policy report published by Eoin for Nexus Research.
1992
‘After the Parade’
Report by the Gay & Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) presented at the Ormond Hotel, Dublin in April 1992.
This report was a key achievement of Eoins and references the Campaign for Equality where Eoin was a leading figure. This report also underscores how little funding GLEN had at that time (just 4 years after its formation) and how integral Nexus Research support was as the incubator for LGBT-related research (and researchers) in Ireland.
1992
‘Resource Material on Lesbian/Gay Law Reform’
Reference material for the GLEN campaign for gay law reform, including sexual orientation in the Unfair Dismissals Act, and introduction of wide ranging equality legislation.
1992
‘‘A Chronology on Lesbian/Gay Law Reform’
Reference material for the GLEN campaign for gay law reform detailing a timeline from August 1861 to March 1992.
1992
‘‘Quotes on Lesbian/Gay Law Reform’
Reference material for the GLEN campaign for gay law reform containing a selection of quotations relating to lesbian and gay law reform in Ireland.
1992
‘‘When will a gay law reform be introduced?’
Reference material for the GLEN campaign for gay law reform containing a selection of quotations from Government sources committing to gay law reform (December 1990 to October 1992). This followed a 1988 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) against Ireland’s laws criminalising gay men.
1995
‘Poverty – Lesbians & Gay Men: The Economic & Social Effects of Discrimination’
Report by Nexus Research and GLEN.
An analysis of the impacts of discrimination on the levels of poverty and exclusion among LGB people in Ireland. Eoin was a primary researcher for this analysis.
1996
‘HIV Prevention Strategies and the Gay Community: Phase One Report – A Baseline Study’
Report by GLEN and Nexus Research.
This report, co-authored by Eoin, was the first step toward the agreement of an effective national strategy on HIV prevention. It ultimately led to a series of initiatives and funding for the gay community in Ireland.
1997
‘Sexual identities, national identities : the politics of gay law reform in the Republic of Ireland’, Contemporary Politics, Volume 3, Number 3, 1997.
Article by Richard Dunphy, University of Dundee.
This important article analyses the GLEN campaign and GLEN’s role to date at that time. Eoin was interviewed for this article.
1998
‘Working in Partnership for HIV Prevention in Gay Saunas: A Pilot Project in Two Gay Saunas’
Report by Gay HIV Strategies and Nexus Research.
This report, co-authored by Eoin, details a pilot HIV Prevention and Awareness Project in two gay saunas.
1999
‘OutYouth: A Report on the Dublin Gay and Lesbian Youth Group Pilot Project’
Authored by Dr. Carol-Anne O’Brien (of Nexus Research).
This study is the culmination of one of the series of HIV prevention pilot projects involving Gay Switchboard Dublin and the (then) Eastern Health Board.
Eoin was also heavily involved in the research for this project.
1999
‘Report of Evaluation of Gay HIV Strategies Programme’
Report by Brian Dillon.
This report, funded by the Department of Health, evaluated HIV prevention strategies. Eoin (through Nexus Research), with GLEN and GHS were strong supporters of evaluation as a means of making social change organisations more successful. This evaluation includes a Nexus innovation – the SPEAK model of self-assessment.
The report also provides valuable data on the funding of gay groups for the Eastern Health Board, the first such funding.
1999
‘Professional Training for Youth Workers on Issues for Gay Youth: An Outline Curriculum Proposal’
Report by Gay HIV Strategies and Nexus Research.
This report is an example of the drive by GLEN/GHS to successfully mainstream gay rights, and make public services more accessible to gay people.
Eoin brought expertise from his work in Nexus Research to GLEN/ GHS.
1999
The Report of a Strategy Development and Capacity-Building Project with the Waterford Gay and Lesbian Community’
Report by Gay HIV Strategies and Nexus Research. Commissioned and supported by the Waterford Area Partnership.
A groundbreaking study, led by Eoin (Nexus Research) and Kieran Rose (Gay HIV Strategies), at the time when the mainstream community development sector did not actively support LGBT community.
2000
‘Education: Lesbian and Gay Students – Developing Equality Opportunities’
Report by Gay HIV Strategies and Nexus Research.
These reports would lay the basis for priorities of GLEN with Atlantic Philanthropies funding.
2000
‘Promoting Equality for Lesbians and Gay Men: Scoping Study on International Best Practice issues’
Report by Nexus Research.
This report outlines the results of a scoping exercise undertaken by Nexus (led by Eoin) to identify elements of best practice approaches internationally in addressing discrimination against the gay community. The aim was to inform the Equality Authority in the development of its own (Irish) strategy.
2002
‘Implementing Equality for Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals’
This report is published by the Equality Authority.
It proposes actions and approaches for all sectors of society, including the LGB community, to bring about the positive inclusion of LGB people in public life, in policy-making, in structures and practices.
Eoin was a key member of the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Advisory Committee.
2003
‘Equality Policies for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People – Implementation Issues’
This report is published by the National Economic and Social Forum (NESF).
This report is a follow-up to the 2002 ‘Implementing Equality’ Equality Authority report (above) to examine policy implementation.
Eoin was a key member of the Project Team established by the NESF.
2004
‘Strategies to promote the health of lesbians and gay men’
Report by Gay HIV Strategies / Nexus Research (in conjunction with the Northern Area Health Board) was prepared to support developments at local and national level to address the mental health needs of the gay community.
The first such study of its kind on this important topic.
2004
‘Access to Health Services for Transsexual People’
Report by Eoin Collins (Nexus) and Brian Sheehan.
This report, for the Equality Authority, sought to a establish a new profile for transsexual people in policy making and service provision and to contribute to a new and more inclusive context for transsexual people.
2005
‘Men who have sex with men: HIV prevention among those who are HIV positive: A resource paper’
This resource paper, co-authored by Eoin, offered a basis for informing further much needed work in the area of secondary prevention of HIV.
2005
‘Civil Marriage For Gay People’
An opinion piece by Eoin on behalf of GLEN for Hot Press Magazine.
This was in response to an earlier piece by Eamonn McCann pointing out the downside to legal gay marriage.
2006
‘Options Paper Presented by the Working Group on Domestic Partnership to the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality, and Law Reform, Mr. Michael McDowell T.D.’ [The Colley Report]
The preparation of the Options Paper coincides with wide public debate on the question of according legal status to cohabitants in general and to same-sex couples in particular.
Eoin was a key member of the Working Group on Domestic Partnership. The Chair of the Working Group was Anne Colley, Solicitor and Outgoing Chair of the Legal Aid Board
2006
‘Reviewing Progress on Equality for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People‘ in Equality News, Spring 2006.
Eoin’s article (speaking for GLEN) highlights the need to revisit the Equality Authority’s 2002 publication ‘Implementing Equality for Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals’. [See above].
2006
Speech by An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern T.D., on 3 April 2006 at the opening of the new GLEN offices in Fumbally Court, and the launch of GLEN’s 5-year strategic programme ‘Building Sustainable Change’. More information on the background to the strategy is available here. Eoin was Director of Policy Change in GLEN at that time.
This was the first time a Taoiseach attended an Irish gay and lesbian event.
The strategy, speech and the press release marking the event are accessible below.
2006
Speech by Eoin on 26 May 2006 on ‘The Legal Status of Cohabitants and Same Sex Couples’.
This important speech details progress on marriage and legal recognition of same sex couples.
Eoin was Director of Policy Change at GLEN at this time.
2007
Speech by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform Brian Lenihan T.D., on 4 December 2007. The Minister’s remarks were made at the launch of the GLEN Annual Report 2006 at the Royal College of Physicians, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.
2008
Speech by Sean Alyward, Secretary General of Department of Justice and Equality on 22 October 2008. Mr Alyward’s remarks were made at the launch GLEN’s 2007 Annual Report at the Royal College of Physicians, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.
This speech was delivered on behalf of the then Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern.
2008
‘Opinion: Proposed civil partnership is a great achievement’ , 26 June 2008
Irish Times OpEd by Eoin.
Eoin was Director of Policy Change at GLEN and a member of the Colley Working Group at that time.
2009
‘A Chronology of Key Events on Legal Recognition of Same-Sex Relationships’
Report by GLEN.
A major publication showing the actions and initiatives in the period 2000-2009 in GLEN’s campaign for legal recognition of same-sex relationships and families.
Eoin was Director of Policy Change in GLEN at that time.
2009
‘Creating a climate where everyone enjoys equality’ , 29 June 2009.
OpEd authored by Eoin for the Irish Times.
The OpEd focuses on the recently published Civil Partnership Bill.
2010 & 2014
‘Completing the Task: GLEN Strategic Plan 2011-2015’ (2010) and ‘Mid-term Evaluation Report’ (2014)
Reports by GLEN and Pamela Montgomery.
Eoin was Director of Policy Change in GLEN at that time and was heavily involved in both.
2010
‘Field Dispatches: Winning Civil Partnership in Ireland – Q&A with the Gay & Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN)’
Interview with Eoin by Atlantic Philanthropies.
Eoin was Director of Policy Change in GLEN.
2010
‘GLEN Evaluation of the Building Sustainable Change Programme: Report on Findings and Recommendations’
A number of Eoin’s reports were consulted in this review.
2010
Two reports compiling second stage parliamentary debates on Civil Partnership in both Houses of the Oireachtas / Irish Parliament.
Reports by GLEN.
Two videos also accompany the ‘Seanad Debates’ volume launch in July 2010 and include speeches by GLEN Chair Kieran Rose, and the Minister for Justice and Law Reform Dermot Ahern T.D.
With thanks to / courtesy of Karl Hayden.
2010
Video of the signing of the Civil Partnership Act Commencement Orders by the Minister for Justice and Law Reform Dermot Ahern T.D., in the Clonliffe Room, Jury’s Hotel, Croke Park Stadium, Jones Road, Dublin.
Eoin and his partner Josep are featured.
With thanks to / courtesy of Karl Hayden.
2010
‘Equality in Ireland – A 20 20 vision speech‘
Equality in Ireland – A 20 20 Vision conference was held to mark a decade of Equality Legislation in Dublin Castle during 2010. Eoin spoke on Civil Partnership in Ireland.
2010
Address by the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Pat Carey T.D., to launch the Building Sustainable LGBT Communities (LGBT Diversity) programme at the Royal Hibernian Academy, Dublin (20 July 2010).
This speech includes comments on the Civil Partnership Bill.
2011
‘Diversity, Equality and Economic Competitiveness’
Report by GLEN and Dublin City Council, funded by the Equality Authority and EU.
Eoin authored this report.
2011
‘Immigration and Same-Sex Couples: Current Provision’
Report by GLEN.
2012
‘GLEN Progress Report: 2010-2012’
Report by GLEN.
Launched by the Minister for Justice and Equality Alan Shatter T.D., in the Oak Room of the Mansion House, Dublin.
2012
‘Civil Partnership and Ireland: How a Minority Advocacy Group Achieved a Majority – A Case Study of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network’
Report by the Center for Evaluation Innovation in New York funded by Atlantic Philanthropies.
This report was an independent assessment and highlights Eoin’s crucial role in progressing LGBTQ+ rights.
The report was launched by Charles Flanagan T.D., Fine Gael Chairman.
2012
‘The Rights and Obligations of Civil Partners and other Same-Sex Couples’
Report by GLEN and Irish Council for Civil Liberties.
This report / pack was researched and written in collaboration with the ICCL and GLEN by Dr Fergus Ryan of the Department of Law at Dublin Institute of Technology.
2012
‘A Case Study of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network, The Campaign for Civil Partnership, The Route to Equal Access to Civil Marriage’.
A Case Study of Social Justice Advocacy, the Advocacy Initiative.
2013
‘The Remarkable Journey towards Equality and Civil Marriage for Lesbian and Gay People in Ireland’.
GLEN submission to the Constitutional Convention.
Drafted by Eoin.
2013
‘Supporting Young People to Make Change Happen: A Review of Theories of Change’, February 2013.
A joint working paper (a synthesis report) by ActKnowledge and Oxfam written by Eoin and Heléne Clark.
ActKnowledge, a social enterprise based in New York City, was commissioned by Oxfam International Youth Partnerships (OIYP) to undertake this report.
2015
‘Eoin’s response to criticism of GLEN’s strategy on Civil Partnership and Civil Marriage’.
In an April 2015 email, just prior to the Marriage Equality referendum, Eoin responded powerfully to criticism of GLEN’s strategy on Civil Partnership and Civil Marriage. In it, Eoin outlines the (political) reasoning behind GLEN support for Civil Partnership on the path to Civil Marriage.
2015
”Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, married lesbian and gay couples in the diaspora call for Yes vote’ – 15 March 2015.
In this March 2015 press release, Eoin is quoted calling for a Yes vote in the forthcoming May marriage equality referendum.
2014 / 2016
‘Theory of Change, Towards a Roadmap for LGBT Equality’
A report/paper and visual written by Eoin for GLEN to discuss with the Department of Justice and Equality. Eoin also provided a presentation on the ‘Theory of Change’ to IHREC.
A (June 2016) note on the Roadmap for the Department of Justice and Equality was also written by Eoin.
2017
‘The Path to Marriage Equality in Ireland’
This case study tells the story behind the campaign that resulted in Ireland becoming the first country in the world to approve marriage equality by popular vote.
2017
ActKnowledge letter, April 2017.
This letter, an application to undertake research on the rise of the religious right and the impact of this on LGBTI communities and individuals, was written by Eoin in his role as Senior Researcher and Evaluator for ActKnowledge (consultancy).
2022
‘Disregard and Redress: Restorative Justice for people impacted by Ireland’s anti-gay laws‘
This publication has been produced by the LGBT Restorative Justice Campaign and is available via a dedicated website LGBTDisregard.ie.
Eoin was heavily involved in this campaign through Nexus and GLEN. This publication gives the full picture of Eoin’s activism.
2023
‘The Virgin condom: Campaigning for access to contraceptives across the decades”, 11 February 2023.
A recent article highlighting the role of ‘Condom Sense’, a direct-action campaign launched on 14 February 1992, which, in an effort to protect public health during the Aids crisis, installed 140 condom machines in pubs and nightclubs across Ireland.
Eoin and Nexus Research were strong supporters of Condom Sense.
2023
‘GLEN: Phase Two c1994-c2005 – A Resource Paper’ [February 2023]
A (draft) compilation of resources specific to the second phase of GLEN, a period when significant progress was made but remains mostly undocumented. This was also a period where there were significant problems and barriers such as a lack of State funding for lesbian and gay projects and a lack of representation on official bodies.
Eoin was heavily involved in GLEN during this period.
‘Eoin Collins: An Archive of His Life, Activism, and Legacy ‘ [Draft, February 2023]
2023
An archive highlighting Eoin’s legacy and major contributions from 1991 to 2022, by Oisín Kenny.
2023
‘Remarkable Journey: A Resource List on Criminalisation and the Campaign for Gay Law Reform and Equality‘, April 2023.
A compilation of resources relevant to LGBTQ+ history in Ireland to mark several anniversaries in 2023, including:
- 30th anniversary of gay law reform and amendment to the Unfair Dismissals Act to include sexual orientation
- 40th anniversary of the Supreme Court upholding our criminalization
- Freeing of the killers of Declan Flynn and the Fairview Protest March
- The trial of the killer of John Roche
- The first Pride March in Dublin
- The passing of the anti-abortion Constitutional Amendment on 7 September 1983
See also LGBTDisregard.ie for more resources.
2023
‘We were always building not knocking‘ – Eoin Collins: A summary of his work [Draft, April 2023]
A detailed and comprehensive 19-page summary of Eoin’s pioneering career as a powerhouse for the incredible progress LGBT people have made in Ireland over the past three decades (1990s-2020s).
2023
‘Working Group to Examine the Disregard of Convictions for Certain Qualifying Offences Related to Consensual Sexual Activity between Men’, June 2023.
The final report of the Working Group contains 95 recommendations around a number of areas. The report is the culmination of a large series of outreach activities, including a public consultation (148 submissions).
2023
Draft Disregard of Historic Sexual Offences Bill 2023, Explanatory Memorandum and legal analysis / commentary, July 2023 [Draft].
The principal purpose of the Disregard of Historic Sexual Offences Bill 2023 is to provide for a process for the disregard of certain historic criminal convictions or cautions arising from consensual sexual activity between men.
The aim of the Bill is to implement the recommendations of the Department of Justice Working Group.
The work was commissioned by Gay Project Cork and carried out by A&L Goodbody and Clifford Chance, with special thanks to Ceile Varley BL and Cillian Bracken BL.
Eoin Collins 