Bohemian Football Club, in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin, have published the first national study of LGBTQI+ inclusivity in football in Ireland.
LGBTQI+ Inclusivity in Irish Football examined the experiences of LGBTQI+ people in relation to participation, openness, discrimination and harassment, barriers and positive/protective factors in football settings in the Republic of Ireland.
The inclusion of LGBTQI+ people has progressed substantially in the past number of years with the introduction of the Marriage Equality Act 2015 and the Gender Recognition Act 2015. Alongside legislation, there have been significant efforts made to address LGBTQI+ inequality and promote visibility, health and safety among LGBTQI+ communities.
However, aspects of LGBTQI+ people’s lives undoubtedly fall short of full acceptance and inclusion. Sport, specifically football (soccer) in the context of this research is the area of focus.
Key Findings
The findings of this research show that while there is an increasing climate of inclusivity, this is often being championed by specific clubs, and additional work is needed to bolster inclusivity across football settings in Ireland.
- 40% of participants felt that football settings are generally not a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQI+ people.
- Over half (55%) of participants felt that homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia is more common in football settings than in general society.
- 58% of participants believe that football clubs do not do enough to include LGBTQI+ people.
Homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic remarks are a consistent issue in football spaces and are a significant barrier to LGBTQI+ participation in football. Participants shared that such instances of harassment made them stop participating in football; made them less likely to come out in football settings and caused damage to their mental health, their confidence, and their self-image.
- 39% of participants heard homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic remarks in the last 12 months, with 26% hearing them frequently.
- 60% of participants said football staff have never intervened when hearing homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic remarks, and 69% said that fellow players have never intervened.
- 1 in 5 (20%) of participants experienced homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic remarks being directed at them personally in the last 12 months.
However, participants consistently identified positive and protective factors and facilitators to their participation in football, namely LGBTQI+- specific football clubs; inclusion policies; training and education initiatives, and awareness campaigns.
In response to the findings of the research, the report includes a series of recommendations with a view to advancing LGBTQI+ people’s participation, acceptance, and inclusion in football settings in Ireland.
Speaking at the launch of the study, Lead Investigator, Dr Matty Kennedy in the School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College said:
“This research has provided much-needed insight into the existing climate of inclusivity in football in Ireland for LGBTQI+ people. It identifies the existing barriers and challenges to bolstering participation, but more importantly, it provides us with tangible solutions, interventions, opportunities for growth and change to make football in Ireland more accepting, inclusive and reflective of the diversity within our communities.”
Welcoming the research, Co-Chair of the LGBTQI+ Inclusivity in Irish Football Research Working Group and Member of Bohemian FC Pride Committee, Jim McElroy said:
“This is crucial and highly welcomed academic research which, for the very first time ever in an Irish footballing context, provides compelling evidence around the power of football to connect with and provide community for LGBTQI+ people. It also gives clear insight into the challenges, barriers, and forms of harassment and othering still affecting LGBTQI+ people in our game. If football is to be truly realised as a game for all, then policy-makers and decision-takers across all levels in our game need to listen deeply to the voices within this report and to enact its recommendations.”
Speaking about the importance of the research as a player, Jamie Farrelly, Dublin Devils Football Club said:
“This research highlights many of the challenges I faced as an LGBTQI+ player in Irish grassroots football, including homophobia, a lack of visibility and the feeling that I’m not always welcomed in the game. Importantly, however, it highlights the growing community of LGBTQI+ players and supporters and the critical role that LGBTQI+ inclusive clubs like the Dublin Devils and Cork Rebels have in promoting LGBTQI+ inclusion and participation in football. These clubs should be recognised as a critical tool for encouraging LGBTQI+ engagement and visibility in football and given further support by policymakers and the wider footballing community.”
The LGBTQI+ Inclusivity in Irish Football study was conducted by Dr Matty Kennedy (he/they) in the School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, with the support of Professor Agnes Higgins. This study was funded by Rethink Ireland through Bohemian Football Club. A wide range of organisations supported this study, including LGBTQI+ organisations.
About the Study
- This is the first dedicated quantitative study regarding the climate of LGBTQI+ inclusivity in football settings in Ireland. It explores the specific experiences of LGBTQI+ people in relation to participation, openness, discrimination and harassment, barriers and positive/protective factors in football settings. This study is funded by Rethink Ireland through Bohemian Football Club. A wide range of organisations supported this study, including LGBTQI+ organisations. The study was conducted by Dr Matty Kennedy (he/they) in the School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin with the support of Professor Agnes Higgins.
- Bohemian Football Club is a fan-owned, Dublin-based, Irish professional football club, known for its long history and community spirit, playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division
- Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin is ranked 1st in Ireland and in the top 100 world universities by the QS World University Rankings. The School of Nursing and Midwifery is ranked 1st in Ireland and the European Union and 20th worldwide in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2025 and is proud to offer a wide range of programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
