Diego Garcia Rodriguez invited as expert to BBC on religion and LGBTQ+ inclusion

Dr Diego Garcia Rodriguez, a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow at the University of Nottingham and author of Gender, Sexuality and Islam in Contemporary Indonesia: Queer Muslims and Their Allies, has recently shared expert insights on the intersection of religion and LGBTQ+ inclusion during an interview with BBC Sport. This opportunity highlights Dr Garcia Rodriguez’s growing influence in shaping current conversations around LGBTIQ+ inclusivity and faith in the public sphere.

The discussion explored the complexities of balancing religious beliefs with initiatives like the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign, which promotes LGBTQ+ rights in football. Dr Garcia Rodriguez emphasised the importance of encouraging dialogue between football clubs, religious organisations, and LGBTQ+ communities to challenge stereotypes and create more inclusive spaces.

“What we have traditionally witnessed is the dominance of conservative interpretations of the Qu'ran”, he said. “But if you look at the work of progressive Islamic scholars too, there is an emphasis on justice, on compassion. There are many Islamic verses that ask Muslims to stand for justice. These values have also been used to challenge discrimination.”

“Football has that ability to bring people together and unite them across differences. Football clubs and players have the opportunity to lead by example and to emphasise that inclusivity can strengthen the game”, he added.

This engagement builds on Dr Garcia Rodriguez’s extensive research on gender, sexuality and religion, both in the UK and internationally. His current research is funded by the Leverhulme Trust, exploring how religion and spirituality influence the asylum experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. This includes exploring challenges within the current LGBTIQ+ credibility assessment process in the British asylum system and interrogating homosecular queer liberation discourses. The BBC interview comes at a critical time when football faces increasing scrutiny over its inclusivity efforts. As clubs and players navigate the intersections of faith, culture, and identity, Dr Garcia Rodriguez’s research reveals how sports can contribute to building understanding across diverse communities.