Trans women banned from female chess events: 'They have no right to participate'
Transgender women can no longer compete in female chess competitions while it is decided whether they have an unfair advantage
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Transgender women can no longer compete in female chess competitions while it is decided whether they have an unfair advantage.
Last week the International Chess Federation (FIDE) said that any player who had transitioned from male to female “has no right to participate in official FIDE events for women” until a final decision is made.
The regulations will come into effect on August 21, and it could take up to two years to reach a final decision.
The change has sparked debate among the community who have raised concerns on whether biological sex offers any advantage in the game.
The regulations will come into effect on August 21, and it could take up to two years to reach a final decision
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Transgender players will not be banned from competing in open tournaments, however they will not be able to play in female-only events.
There are currently no official tournaments exclusively for male players.
According to records, around 15 per cent of FIDE-registered chess players are women - the highest of all time.
Since the release of the Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit - which features a fictional female grandmaster - the game's popularity has grown among young people.
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Trans woman, Yosha Iglesias from France who is recognised as female by FIDE, described the latest move as “heartbreaking”.
“There’s no biological advantage whatsoever,” she told The Times.
“It’s not about biology, it’s about sociology, psychology and it’s about sexism, it’s about aggression [from FIDE].
“They say they are not against trans people, they are fighting to protect women’s sport, even though they don’t care at all about women’s sport.”
Trans woman, Yosha Iglesias from France who is recognised as female by FIDE, described the latest move as 'heartbreaking'
PAThe 35-year-old added that she did not fully understand what the regulations meant for trans people such as herself who have already transitioned.
She said: “If I was selected I think I would not be allowed to play, I would have to wait for some FIDE council to decide whether I’m ‘woman enough’ or not.”
FIDE said last Friday: “At FIDE, we are deeply moved by the letter signed by over 100 women chess players denouncing sexist and sexual violence in chess. This letter, initiated by 14 women of French chess, has reverberated throughout the chess world. We commend these women for their courage and solidarity.
“FIDE stands firmly against any behaviour and actions based on sexism including any form of abuse. We are proud that more women are playing chess than ever before, and they deserve a safe and respectful environment.
"We want to underline that we take any reports of sexism and abuse very seriously and are committed to improving the chess world.”
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