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LGBTQI+ Inclusion in the Workplace

On May 17th, to mark International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, CEO, The Open Doors Initiative, Jeanne McDonagh spoke with David Gough.

David Gough is a Gaelic Football referee from County Meath. He comes from the Slane club and is the Education and Games Development Officer on St. Patrick's Campus Drumcondra, DCU.

David is the sport's first openly gay top-level match official. In 2015, the sport's governing body refused to allow him wear a rainbow wristband during a league match between Dublin and Tyrone but just four years later in 2019 following his appearance on The Late Late Show he initiated the GAA's first ever involvement in the Pride Parade.

In last year's 2020 All-Ireland Semi Final between Mayo and Tipperary in Croke Park, David, along with the players helped to launch the first ever Rainbow Laces campaign within the GAA.

In this conversation we hear David's insights into LGBTQI+ inclusion in the workplace and the important role employers play in creating a culture of diversity and inclusion. David also speaks about his memories of the Marriage Equality Referendum, which took place six years ago in Ireland.