“We exist. Don’t forget or over look us.”: queering the legacies of the 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup
A summary of the research:
This research study looked into how the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup (WWC), co-hosted by Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, approached its required "legacy planning" – essentially, how the tournament aimed to create lasting benefits for women's football. The study specifically focused on understanding whether LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and non-binary) women and non-binary fans were aware of these legacy plans and if they felt their communities were included. To do this, the researchers used a survey with fans who attended the WWC 2023, asking them about their experiences and ideas for a more inclusive future for football.
The study found that most fans surveyed were largely unaware of the official legacy documents from both host countries. However, when presented with the plans, they strongly believed that these legacies should include specific actions for LGBTQ+ communities, even though they didn't see much evidence of such actions during the tournament itself. Fans also expressed that while women's football generally felt inclusive, more could be done to visibly celebrate LGBTQ+ athletes and supporters and to use inclusive language and symbols (like rainbow armbands, which were banned). They imagined a future where football recognized and supported all diverse identities, including trans women and non-binary people, and acknowledged the intersection of various identities like race, age, and ability.
Here are three practical and actionable takeaways from the article's results for coaches and administrators in women's soccer:
Actively Champion LGBTQ+ Visibility and Self-Expression: The research highlights that fans felt players, not governing bodies, drove much of the LGBTQ+ visibility at the WWC, and there was frustration over the ban of rainbow armbands. Go beyond basic inclusion statements. Actively encourage and facilitate visible expressions of LGBTQ+ pride among players, staff, and fans, such as allowing rainbow-themed gear or hosting dedicated pride events. Feature openly LGBTQ+ players and staff in promotional materials and storytelling to celebrate their contributions and create role models, ensuring these efforts are genuine and not just symbolic.
Adopt Truly Inclusive Language and Acknowledge Intersectionality: The study found that official documents often overlooked the multiple identities of fans (e.g., race, age, ability, and gender identity) and that language used (like "female" instead of "women") could be exclusionary to trans and non-binary individuals. Review all club/organization policies, communications, and marketing materials to ensure language is explicitly inclusive of trans and non-binary people (e.g., using "women's and non-binary football" or "all women and gender-diverse people"). Additionally, when planning initiatives, consider the intersectional experiences of players and fans from different racial, ethnic, age, and ability backgrounds to ensure programs genuinely serve all members of the community.
Involve LGBTQ+ Communities Directly in Planning and Development: Fans were largely unaware of official legacy plans, yet expressed clear and thoughtful ideas for how inclusion could be improved. The article suggests that football organizations are "either wilfully ignorant or deliberately excluding queer fans". Establish formal channels for direct consultation and collaboration with LGBTQ+ fans, players, and community organizations when developing new programs, policies, or event strategies. This ensures that "legacy planning" and future initiatives are not just aspirational but are genuinely informed by, and responsive to, the specific needs and desires of these important fan segments. This "giving back" recognizes their significant historical contributions to the sport's development and popularity.
Authors: Sally Shaw, Monica Nelson and Simone Fullagar
You can read the entire article here.
