‘An Inclusive Playing Field’: How can Gaelic games organisations promote the active inclusion of their LGBTQ+ players?
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2023Author
Whelehan, Odhran
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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
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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.