A leading chess official has called for further research into the potential influence of factors such as hormone levels and physical endurance on players’ abilities in the male-dominated game. This comes after the world chess federation faced heavy criticism for its decision to exclude transgender women from official women’s events. The Switzerland-based federation, FIDE, stated that the decision would remain in effect until a thorough assessment of the issue had been carried out. Critics, including advocacy groups and some European players and federations, have condemned this policy as unnecessary and discriminatory, highlighting the perpetuation of “trans panic.” One former British women’s champion has called for the world federation to reverse its decision.
Dana Reizniece-Ozola, deputy chair of the chess federation’s management board, has emphasized that the aim of the new regulations is to “increase the rights of transgender individuals and permit them to be registered under their new gender” in the official directory. Women-only tournaments were established in the 1970s to encourage female participation in a sport traditionally dominated by men. Presently, women make up only 2% of all players, and 10% of rated players, according to Reizniece-Ozola. The new regulations, which may impose a waiting period of up to two years on transgender women while the issue is examined, aim to provide FIDE with a “grace period” to address transgender players and male dominance within the sport.
“The impact of hormonal levels on the competitiveness of chess players is not yet clear,” Reizniece-Ozola commented via video call from Riga, Latvia. “There is currently insufficient serious research or scientific analysis to definitively prove one way or the other.” Cathy Renna, communications director for the US National LGBTQ Task Force, criticized the new rules, stating that they appear to be a result of “trans panic” without any valid justification, based in reality, and further marginalizing transgender individuals. Reizniece-Ozola, a former Latvian finance minister, believes that FIDE, like other sports organizations, must strike a balance between equality and fair competition, emphasizing that more scientifically-based research is necessary.
(Read more International Chess Federation stories.)
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