Using feminist critical management studies to examine LGBTQ+ women’s experiences of inclusion and exclusion in rugby

The purpose of this research is to examine the experiences of lesbian, bisexual, gay, takatāpui, queer, and allies (LGBTQ+) women in rugby in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Using Feminist Critical Management Studies (FCMS) the research shows the potential of these experiences to inform the development of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in sports organisations. FCMS places feminism at the centre of organizational research and seeks to disrupt hegemonic masculinity. This means that DEI policy and practice generation, and implementation, are informed by the knowledge experiences of a marginalized group, in this case, LGBTQ+ women. Mixed methods were used, comprising an online Qualtrics survey, which enabled the collection of descriptive quantitative data about 143 respondents’ demographics and experiences. The quantitative data revealed that women’s rugby is generally inclusive for LGBTQ+ community members. Of the 143 respondents, 69 also provided open text qualitative responses. The qualitative results were thematically analysed, revealing further details, such as inclusion as personal support; and inclusion as rugby culture. Constraints to inclusion were identified, as well as exclusion through traditional club environments. The respondents provided thoughts on future inclusion through the development of education and awareness. The research contributes to DEI in sport management by asking questions about how DEI knowledge is created in sport organisations, who are the guardians of that knowledge, and whether and how might sport managers adapt their practices to respectfully ensure that marginalized peoples’ views inform DEI.