Gymnastics Australia makes huge transgender rule change allowing athletes to choose male or female uniforms and change rooms based on the gender they identify as
Gymnastics Australia is making a massive transgender rule change, allowing athletes to choose male or female uniforms and switch rooms based on the gender they identify
- New rules were announced on Wednesday
- Mixed-gender competition changes
- Athletes can choose between changing rooms
Gymnastics Australia will allow athletes to choose their own uniforms in line with their gender identity, according to new guidelines released on Wednesday.
The country’s governing body for gymnastics has reaffirmed its stance on eradicating “discrimination of any kind” in sport and released new guidelines for the inclusion of transgender and gender diverse people in community gymnastics.
“We recognize that the inclusion of transgender and gender diverse people in sport is a complex and emotional issue, and it is important to note that these guidelines are aimed at creating and promoting inclusive environments,” the new policy said.
“There is a place for everyone in our sport, just like you.”
Australian gymnasts can now choose the uniforms they wear and the changing facilities they use in line with their gender identity (Photo: An Australian Commonwealth Games participant)
The governing body said the changes are intended to ensure that “there is a place for everyone in our sport, just as you are” (pictured, Tokyo Olympics participants)
Transgender and gender diverse athletes will be included in all community gymnastics competitions and individuals will be able to participate in the competition that best reflects their gender identity.
However, more specific or detailed rules may apply at higher levels of competition or events.
“Mixed-gender competitions allow people to participate in a manner that best reflects their gender identity,” the guidelines said.
“Mixed-gender competition rules will be applied based on gender identity.”
Competitors may wear the uniform of their choice in accordance with their gender identity and in cases where gender uniforms are necessary they are free to choose between the two.
Where new facilities are built or undergoing upgrades, clubs will be asked to create more options for changing rooms to accommodate gender diverse individuals.
People will also be able to choose which existing changing and toilet facilities they want to use, appropriate to their gender identity.
Gymnastics Australia CEO Alexandra Ash said the guidelines renewed the organisation’s commitment to ensuring the sport was ‘a safe and inclusive environment for all’.
The rule changes were spurred by recent studies that showed Australian sports could be ‘hostile’ to young people of different genders
Gymnastics Australia CEO Alexandra Ash said the sport wants ‘all members to feel celebrated for who they are’
“Diversity makes our sport better for everyone involved, and we want everyone to feel comfortable and supported as part of the gymnastics community,” she said.
‘We also want all members to feel celebrated for who they are and continue to contribute to the diverse community and legacy of gymnastics as one of Australia’s most popular sports for young people.’
The guidelines cited recent studies showing Australian sports are “hostile and unwelcoming” towards young people of different genders and sexualities.
Traditional men’s sports were also deemed ‘toxic’ and locker rooms were cited as common venues for harassment and bullying of young and genderqueer people.
The major policy changes come after Gymnastics Australia joined the Commonwealth National Redress Scheme as a participating institution last week.
The organization said it has also continued to invest in processes and systems to ensure the protection of children going forward.