- Transgender star Noa-Lynn van Leuven has won several women’s tournaments
- She has revealed that she received death threats online earlier this year
- Van Leuven is determined to keep playing despite facing abuse every day
Transgender darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven has revealed that she received daily death threats online earlier this year.
The 28-year-old Van Leuven, who started her gender transition as a teenager, has stormed the women’s rankings in recent months by winning several titles.
However, some of Van Leuven’s female rivals have called for her to be banned from women’s competitions, and Dutch duo Anca Zijlstra and Aileen de Graaf left the national team in March after refusing to play with her.
Van Leuven has now opened up about the reactions that came her way on social media after that incident.
“We all remember when my Dutch teammates withdrew,” Van Leuven said, quoted by The sun.
‘I received so many hate messages on my socials. People recognized me on the street. Most were fine and supportive.
Transgender star Noa-Lynn van Leuven revealed that she receives death threats every day
Anca Zijlstra (left) and Aileen de Graaf (right) refused to play in the same team as Van Leuven
Van Leuven is determined to keep playing because she loves the sport so much
“But those messages, like death threats… how many did I get? On a daily basis? Yes, during that period.’
Van Leuven last month became the first transgender player to compete in the Grand Slam of Darts, and she has qualified to play at the World Championship at Alexandra Palace when it starts on Sunday.
PDC CEO Matt Porter emphasized last month that the current policy towards transgender players is ‘fair’, giving Van Leuven the green light to compete on the biggest stage.
And Van Leuven has no plans to leave the sport anytime soon, despite the abuse she has endured in recent months.
“I love this game so I’ll keep playing,” she added.
Van Leuven is assisted by her compatriot and three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen.
About Van Leuven’s treatment, Van Gerwen said: ‘It’s just heartbreaking. She does what she does and she can play darts great.
‘Let her play. For me there has never been a discussion, but I don’t make the rules.’
Michael van Gerwen has defended Van Leuven’s right to play amid some calls for a suspension
Van Leuven can face former world champion Michael Smith at Ally Pally next week
Van Leuven will make history if she becomes the first transgender player to play at the World Championship.
Next Tuesday she will face compatriot Kevin Doets in the first round, with the winner having to face former world champion Michael Smith in the second round.