The fight for LGBTIQ+ inclusion in sports
It's imperative to address prejudice, invasive testing, and restrictive policies to create a fair and inclusive sports environment for all.
LGBTQ+ persons face significant challenges in engaging in sports. Many experience prejudice, discrimination, and even invasive testing that undermines their dignity. For intersex persons in sports, the pressure to conform to a rigid binary system is particularly harsh. In many cases, they are compelled to undergo hormone suppression treatments in order to “fit” into conventional female categories—even when such treatments can be harmful to their health.
The case of South African athlete Caster Semenya exemplifies this injustice, having endured both forced testing and treatment requirements simply to compete. Similarly, athletes like Algerian boxer Imane Khelif have been unfairly targeted with claims that question their gender identity, with critics labelling them “men” despite clear evidence of their lifelong female identity. Transgender persons in sports, too, often confront restrictive policies that prevent them from competing in categories that match their gender identity—even as many transgender men thrive in men’s sports.
One excellent example is Chris Mosier. He’s a trailblazing trans man who competes in duathlon, triathlon, and cross-country skiing. Although some argue that for transgender women, the physical differences attributed to testosterone provide a competitive edge, research indicates that any such advantage is modest and falls within the natural range of variation among athletes. For example, a systematic review in Sports Medicine noted that; “the evidence indicates that after at least one year of testosterone suppression, transwomen athletes’ muscle mass, strength, and hemoglobin levels decrease to a level largely comparable to those of cisgender female athletes—suggesting that any remaining performance differences are modest and within the natural range of variation among women.”
As we mark a day against LGBTIQ-phobia in sports, let us reaffirm that every individual has the right to participate, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. By developing fair, evidence‐based policies that respect human dignity and embrace diversity, sports can become a truly inclusive arena where excellence is celebrated, and everyone is given the opportunity to compete.
Contribution by Adrian Kibe, Program Assistant in Transgender Rights at KHRC
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