Transgender Inclusion Position
Transgender, Nonbinary,& Gender-Expansive Inclusion in Sports
Position Statement
The Sports Equality Foundation believes that sports are for everyone, including transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals. As part of our mission to bring equal opportunity and heightened visibility in sports, SEF supports the full inclusion of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals in athletics.
As part of The Sports Equality Foundation’s aim, we support;
Ending transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse discrimination in all aspects of society.
The Sports Equality Foundation rejects any misrepresentation and flawed understanding of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals. SEF opposes any discrimination directed at transgender/ gender-expansive individuals at all levels of society, including athletics.
Laws and policies that protect and provide access for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals in sports.
The Sports Equality Foundation opposes any local, school, state, or federal policies that exclude transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals from participation in sports.
Research and factual-based education supporting transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse inclusion in sports.
The Sports Equality Foundation values the impact that education has on building inclusive sporting communities. A critical component of The Sports Equality Foundation’s mission is to implement and lead in research and factual-based education to individuals and sports programs at all levels, including transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse inclusion education, guidance, and support.
The intrinsic value of inclusion in sports for all individuals.
The Sports Equality Foundation fully recognizes the intrinsic value of sports and the life-changing benefits it provides individuals of all levels, ages, and identities. Participation in sports can break down cultural divides, build lasting friendships, and provide athletes with a sense of social identity. For marginalized communities, in particular transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals, the opportunity to be a part of a team and play a sport can be life-changing, and in some cases, even life-saving.
The full inclusion of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals in sports provides all individuals the opportunity to participate in the sports they love. All athletes should be allowed to experience the lessons, joy, and sense of belonging that sports consistently deliver.