Changing the Game: Trinity and Bohs Unite for LGBTQI+ Inclusivity in Irish Football

Trinity College Dublin and Bohemian Football Club have embarked on a landmark collaboration by launching Ireland’s first comprehensive national study into LGBTQI+ inclusivity within football. This groundbreaking research, spearheaded by Dr Matty Kennedy of Trinity’s School of Nursing & Midwifery, aims to shed light on the lived experiences of LGBTQI+ individuals involved in football across the Republic of Ireland.

Despite significant legislative and societal progress over the past decade, including the Marriage Equality Act and the Gender Recognition Act in 2015, sport—and football in particular—remains an environment where LGBTQI+ individuals face notable challenges. The anonymous survey seeks input from LGBTQI+ football players, supporters, coaches, and officials aged 14 and older, providing a platform for them to share their experiences regarding openness, discrimination, harassment, and the broader barriers they encounter within football.

The study intends not only to document existing challenges but also to identify protective factors and supportive practices that foster a welcoming environment. According to Dr Kennedy, the ultimate goal is to use the insights gathered to inform future policy and training recommendations, driving meaningful change toward inclusivity in football clubs nationwide.

Jim McElroy, Co-Chair of the research working group and member of Bohemian FC’s Pride Committee, emphasised the club’s commitment to social justice and equality, highlighting this initiative as another step forward in making football accessible and welcoming for all. Jamie Farrelly, a player from Dublin Devils Football Club, echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism that this research will amplify LGBTQI+ voices and address historical feelings of isolation within the sport.

Funded by Rethink Ireland through Bohemian FC and supported by various LGBTQI+ advocacy groups, the study marks a crucial step forward in Irish sports culture. It underscores a collective effort to transform football from a place of exclusion into a powerful vehicle for acceptance and positive social change.

Participants can complete the survey anonymously online, contributing directly to a more inclusive future in Irish football.

The survey can be accessed here: https://tcdhealthsciences.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cSiBUjjXv16DnQW