‘An Inclusive Playing Field’: How can Gaelic games organisations promote the active inclusion of their LGBTQ+ players?
Whelehan, Odhran
Whelehan, Odhran
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2023
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Article
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Whelehan, Odhran. (2023). ‘An Inclusive Playing Field’: How can Gaelic games organisations promote the active inclusion of their LGBTQ+ players? Dearcadh: Graduate Journal of Gender, Globalisation and Rights, 4. https://doi.org/10.13025/w2yk-xt81
Abstract
In 2015, the Republic of Ireland became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage through a public referendum. It represented a dramatic shift in societal values. At the heart of this country is the highly influential institution of the GAA. Present in every community in the country, the GAA is not just a sporting organisation but rather an institution that represents Irish traditions and values. Yet, this same institution has few major role models its male LGBTQ+ players can look up to. The fact that there are currently no ‘out’ gay or bisexual male players in the intercounty game suggests that a taboo still exists around the presence of such players in the organisation. This research explores the reasons for this and what strategies Gaelic Games organisations could pursue to encourage the open participation of LGBTQ+ players. It considers the degree to which the temporalities of Irish LGBTQ+ progress have become embedded in the GAA. These findings are supplemented with the insights of five individuals who have experience in the GAA’s quest to become a more LGBTQ+ friendly sports organisation. These findings are then collated to produce a theory of change that can help guide the GAA’s welfare and inclusion policy in the years to come.
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School of Political Science and Sociology, University of Galway