The International Chess Federation (FIDE), the world’s top chess federation, has recently released a new ruling regarding transgender women’s participation in official events for females. According to FIDE, transgender women will not be allowed to compete until their gender change has been assessed by officials. This decision, published on Monday, has sparked criticism from advocacy groups and supporters of transgender rights.
FIDE stated that they have been receiving an increasing number of recognition requests from players identifying as transgender. In response to this, they have decided that the participation of transgender women will depend on a thorough analysis of individual cases, a process that could take up to two years.
In their statement, FIDE emphasized that a change of gender has a significant impact on a player’s status and eligibility for tournaments. They explained that participation in official FIDE events for women can only be granted if there is relevant proof of the gender change provided. For players who have changed their gender from male to female, they will not have the right to participate until further decisions are made by FIDE. Additionally, holders of women’s titles who undergo a gender change to male will see their titles abolished, with the possibility of reinstatement if they later change their gender back to female.
FIDE acknowledged that the issue of transgender players is an evolving one for chess and that further policy developments may be necessary in the future in alignment with research evidence. However, the National Center for Transgender Equality criticized the new policy, stating that it assumes cis women cannot compete against cis men and that it is insulting to both cis and trans women, as well as the game itself.
It is important to note that FIDE still organizes open competitions that allow all players to participate, as well as specialized categories for women, young players, and even computers. This ruling specifically pertains to official FIDE events for women.
Overall, this decision by FIDE has sparked controversy and highlights the ongoing debate surrounding transgender inclusion in competitive sports.
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