Bohemian FC launch first-ever national study of LGBTQI+ inclusivity in football

In partnership with Trinity College Dublin, Bohemian FC have launched the first national study of LGBTQI+ inclusivity in Irish football.

The study will examine LGBTQI+ athletes “participation, openness, discrimination and harassment, barriers and positive/protective factors” in the sport. The LGBTQI+ Inclusivity in Irish Football study is being conducted by Dr. Matty Kennedy and Professor Agnes Higgins from the School of Nursing & Midwifery at Trinity.

“With this survey, we hope to develop policy and training recommendations based on the findings in order to bolster the participation of LGBTQI+ people in football clubs throughout Ireland,” said Kennedy.

LGBTQI+ inclusion has improved over the years, due in part to the 2015 Marriage Equality Act and the Gender Recognition Act. The anonymous survey is open to Irish LGBTQI+ people over 14 to share their experiences in football settings.

“Growing up as a player and supporter, being LGBTQI+ in football felt like a taboo subject with more talk of tabloid rumours about professional players than LGBTQI+ participation,” said athlete Jamie Farrelly of Dublin Devils Football Club. “More often than not, football felt like a lonely space so having a club like Bohemians step up, show leadership and really force the issue of LGBTQ+ inclusion and visibility cannot be underestimated. This is a truly important piece of research that can finally give a voice to LGBTQI+ people’s experience in football.”

Back in June, Bohemian FC made headlines for their solidarity match with the Palestinian women's national team. They raised a total of €98,490, which was split between ACLAÍ Palestine, Medical Aid for Palestinians and Palestine Sports For Life.

The anonymous LGBTQI+ survey can be accessed here.