Transgender women banned from competing in female chess events by world federation

The World Chess Federation has banned transgender women from playing in official female competitions until further notice.

The Swiss-based FIDE announced the ruling would remain in place until an assessment of transition is made by its officials.

FIDE said it and its member federations have received growing requests from players who identify as transgender, and transgender women taking part in events would depend on a case-by-case analysis.

Scrutiny of individual cases could take up to two years, the federation said.

“In the event that the gender was changed from a male to a female the player has no right to participate in official FIDE events for women until further FIDE’s decision is made,” FIDE said.

It added that players who held women’s titles who transitioned to male would see them “abolished”. But FIDE added it would possibly reinstate titles “if the person changes the gender back to a woman”.

“If a player has changed the gender from a man into a woman, all the previous titles remain eligible,” the federation added.

FIDE said that changing genders had “a significant impact” on a player’s status and future eligibility to tournaments, and “proof” of transition would be needed.

Concerns rule change will harm players

The policy has sparked a backlash from transgender rights groups and has attracted criticism from players.

Yosha Iglesias, a trans woman player with the FIDE rank of chess master, said the policy would lead to “unnecessary harm” for trans players and women.

“This appalling situation will lead to depression and suicide attempts,” Iglesias said.

Woman Grandmaster and twice US women’s chess champion, Jennifer Shahade, considered the decision “ridiculous and dangerous”.

Speaking to sports inclusion advocacy group Athlete Ally, Shahade said: “It’s obvious they didn’t consult with any transgender players in constructing it.”

She added it was “sinister timing” and highlighted other issues in the chess world, including “sexual assault and harassment”.

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Ban follows decisions by other sports

FIDE hosts competitions worldwide allowing all players to take part – with specialised categories for women, younger players and even computers.

The federation said any transgender player was allowed to participate in the “open” section of its chess tournaments.

In a written response to The Associated Press, the federation said: “Allow us to clarify that the new regulations are aimed at clearly defining the procedure on how a person who has officially changed their gender may register the fact on FIDE Directory.”

The lack of such regulations caused “ambiguity,” it said, “and therefore an established order was needed to provide the right of the transgender players being properly represented on the official register of FIDE”.

Transgender participation in sports with physical aspects has led to new policies administered by sporting bodies.

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British Rowing announced it would ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s events at the beginning of August, while the British Cycling Federation also barred trans women from riding in women’s races earlier this year.

The International Cycling Union made a similar ruling in July, deciding that female transgender athletes who transitioned after male puberty will no longer be able to compete in women’s races.

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