How Munster's LGBT+ sports clubs are helping athletes find acceptance and belonging

Irish Examiner

4 days ago

One of my earliest memories of sport is hiding in our chicken coop on a Saturday morning to avoid hurling training.
I was an active child but not a sporty one. In the early 2000s there weren't many options for sport outside of hurling and football for children to get into.
It was a highly masculine space, dads shouting at us from the sideline, men close to the same age as I am now – it was pretty intimidating to a boy that already felt like he didn't belong in this space.
I entered my teen years and early adulthood convinced sport wasn't for me. Now I'm a member of the Irish Triathlon team. So, what changed?
Becoming more comfortable and finally embracing my sexuality was pivotal for me.
A huge step on this journey was joining an LGBT+ swimming club, Out to Swim, where I live and work in London.
Creating an environment within sport clubs is imperative to encouraging not only members of the LGBT+ community into the world of sport but everyone, whether you're a woman who is intimidated by the traditional 'macho' vibes of a rugby or GAA club, or a gay man who may struggle to find a sense of belonging or understanding within a predominantly heterosexual sporting club.
Micheál Costello, training in Battersea Park, London.
It is in everyone's best interests, including sporting clubs and their athletes, to open their doors to people from every background and make us all feel welcome.
That being said, LGBT+ specific clubs play a hugely important role in sport the world over, including in Ireland.
The fact that I'm often asked to speak about being a gay long-distance triathlete, and other more illustrious athletes like Katie McCabe and Olympian Jack Woolley are often asked to speak about their experience, is a sign that we're still an anomaly and being out in sport is 'brave'.
The ability to access LGBT+ spaces in sport is something I didn't hold in high regard until I joined Out to Swim.
Before joining the club just over seven months ago, I had my triathlon, my coach and I thought I was set.
However, as soon as the nerves surrounding my first session with Out to Swim subsided, the sense of belonging and comfort I felt was truly special.
Micheál Costello marching in London Pride.
It is a fact that the majority of LGBT+ people either feel like they have to, or are forced to announce their sexuality and/or gender identity the second they step into a sporting context.
Heading into the pool with a beautiful group of people running the gamut of the LGBT+ spectrum was such a weight lifted off my shoulders, a weight I didn't even know was there.
Like any group of people, we're all different, we come from a variety of backgrounds, countries and cultures, but there is one commonality between us all and that is that we know what it is to feel different and excluded, and we all hold a huge appreciation of the happiness inclusion in sport brings.
Up and down Ireland, there are clubs from runners, to rugby players, to GAA changing the sporting fabric of Ireland through their dedication to including LGBT+ people in sport.
Sitting down to chat with some of these athletes struck a chord with me. Within every quote they echo that feeling of belonging and the continued importance of feeling included in a society that, sadly, can feel like it is becoming increasingly divided.
Cork Frontrunners and Brisk Walkers
Jack Mulcahy, Rónan Murray and Emma Harrington of Frontrunners and Briskwalkers, Cork out for a run on the Marina, Cork. Picture: David Creedon
Cork-based LGBT+ running and walking club. They've been in existence since October 2018 and are growing.
Rónan Murray — club secretary
I was never interested in sport when I was younger, partially because I felt out of place among all straight teams.
I joined FRBW Cork a year and a half ago, and I have been flourishing ever since.
There is an amazing and supportive community, and I finally feel more at home.
I have become an avid runner, have since completed five half marathons and a full marathon, and I am currently training for more!
Sport has become such a huge part of my life, something which I never imagined would have happened without the safe space provided by the club.
Jack Mulcahy — PRO
Being a part of the club has given me a chance to improve my fitness and friendships with other queer people in a way that always makes me excited to show up to the next run.
The support, laughter, and shared pride make even the toughest runs all the more rewarding.
With FRBW I've made friends for life and I'm incredibly grateful to have access to a group of friends where being gay is the norm.
Emma Harrington — athlete
Joining the Frontrunners a year ago has been a gateway to making new friends in the queer community since moving back home after living abroad for six years.
It has given me a space where I can truly be myself, both as a runner and as a member of the queer community.
The club has made the transition back feel far less isolating and much more welcoming.
More than just a run club, it's a support network that extends well beyond fitness, offering connection, encouragement, and a genuine sense of belonging.
Sarsfields Rugby Club
Sarsfields Rugby chairperson Dave Cuddihy proudly sporting his team kit
This Limerick-based rugby club is the Midwest's first LGBT+ inclusive rugby project.
They launched at Limerick Pride in July 2022 and have since grown into one of the largest LGBT+ social/sports groups in Limerick.
Dave Cuddihy — chairperson
If you told me four years ago that I'd be part of a rugby team I would have told you that you were mad!
Team sports was always something that I considered out of my comfort zone and that was engrained in my brain from the culture and stereotypical 'macho' nature of teams growing up, it was not me, I didn't fit into that culture.
Since joining Sarsfields I have realised that I can be a part of a team, and I have found my place there.
Sarsfields came at a time where I was a bit lost on my path, friends were all moving away for work and I found myself questioning whether I actually belonged in Limerick anymore.
Sarsfields changed all of that. Now I am part of a 70+ member sports group and have found a completely new lease of life.
Sarsfields became more than just a rugby club, it became a community to me.
The beauty of the club is that we have people of all abilities, all genders, all sexualities, but no one actually cares as long as you're sound.
We have straight members who joined the team because they felt the 'typical' club environment didn't suit them. They love being involved because no one questions their situations — everyone is too busy getting on with our new love of rugby.
There is so much to be learned from the likes of Sarsfields and our counterparts across the country in the likes of Cork Hellhounds, Emerald Warriors, Belfast Azlans and all the other inclusive clubs across their disciplines.
Na Laochra Aeracha
Na Laochra Aeracha - taking pride in their place in sport.
Cork's first openly LGBT+ inclusive GAA club
Dean Kinsella — co-founder and vice chairperson
Many team sports clubs and organisations have a reputation for enforcing heteronormative behaviour and often are seen as being outright discriminative towards LGBT+ people.
The reality however is very different.
A recent survey of players from several amateur and professional sports clubs revealed that although the majority of players were unaware of LGBT+ people on their team, the overwhelming majority of them would welcome and support an LGBT+ player.
Dean Kinsella, co-founder and vice-chairperson of Na Laochra Aeracha GAA Club
Times are changing, and attitudes are not what they once were. Although there is an increasing amount of LGBT+ inclusive sports clubs around, much more can be done to create these safe spaces and promote visibility of LGBT+ people in sports.
Increased visibility creates increased awareness, which leads to better understanding and a more supportive and inclusive community, not just across the LGBT+ community but also across our sporting community.
Deirbhile Lynch — GAA player
Joining Na Laochra Aeracha may have been a step outside of my comfort zone, but it was the best decision I have made in my adult life, enabling me to pursue my passion for GAA and expand my social circle.
Queer spaces such as this are vital for ensuring that members of the LGBT+ community feel represented and respected in the sports world, in which we have long been hidden.
Deirbhile Lynch, a passionate GAA player with Na Laochra Aeracha.
The club continuously fills me with pride as we grow in numbers, improve our abilities and support one another during training.
Whatever your background or experience in GAA, our team will welcome you!
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