Athlete Ally Celebrates USA Gymnastics’ Trans & Non-binary Inclusive Policy
November 19, 2020 (New York, NY) — Athlete Ally responded to news that USA Gymnastics has announced a new transgender and non-binary inclusive policy for all member athletes.
Under the new policy, athletes have greater privacy and increased protections for their safety, and policy changes are accompanied by educational resources:
- Transgender athletes no longer need to apply to participate in the discipline that aligns with their gender identity.
- Surgical sex reassignment, legal gender recognition, and hormone therapy requirements have been removed.
- Guidance for non-binary athletes has been added.
- Educational resources have been incorporated within the policy to help build a more informed community.
“This is a tremendous step forward for LGBTQI+ inclusion in athletics, and we commend USA Gymnastics for demonstrating what protecting the health and safety of all athletes looks like,” said Anne Lieberman, Director of Policy and Programs for Athlete Ally. “Unlike World Rugby, which adopted a devastating and discriminatory blanket ban on trans athletes based on incomplete data, USA Gymnastics consulted directly with trans athletes, and thoroughly reviewed research from American Academy of Pediatrics, The American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, GLSEN, Trans Youth Equality Foundation, the American Civil Liberties Union and The Trevor Project.
This news is especially powerful during Transgender Awareness Week, as we reflect on the barriers to meaningful and respectful inclusion for transgender athletes. USA Gymnastics’ announcement gives us hope for a brighter, more inclusive athletic community.”
Photo by Elmarie van Rooyen on Unsplash