The invisibility of trans men in sport and sporting spaces

The inclusion of transgender and non-binary individuals in sports has been a prominent topic of discussion, particularly among gender critical feminists. These feminists argue for the exclusion of trans women from participating in women’s sports and using associated spaces like changing rooms, citing concerns about safety. However, the focus on this issue has largely overlooked the experiences of trans men in sports and sex-segregated spaces. While the media and academic literature have extensively covered the perspectives of gender critical feminists, there has been little consideration of the discrimination and abuse that trans men may face in these spaces. By neglecting their experiences, conversations about inclusivity in sports for trans individuals remain incomplete. This chapter aims to address this gap by examining the existing literature and highlighting the importance of including the narratives of trans men in the discussion. It draws on the voices of four trans masculine individuals who participated in a study conducted by the author, shedding light on the inequalities they encounter in sports. By amplifying these voices, the chapter seeks to foster dialogue between gender critical feminists and trans men, emphasising the shared challenges and the potential for trans-inclusive alliances to promote greater equality in sports.