International Practice

Research

• Transgender athletes and Canadian sport policy: a story of stigma and precarity, opens in a new tab, William Bridel, Victoria Clowater, Dennis Quesnel, et al., International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics, Volume 16(1), pp.59-73, (2024). In 2019, the publicly available policies of 53 NSOs were reviewed to determine the presence and content of so-called transgender inclusion policies, as well as policies related to equity, discrimination and harassment. At the time of the study, only 17 of the 53 NSOs had policies specifically related to transgender inclusion.
• Transgender Women Athletes and Elite Sport: A Scientific Review, opens in a new tab, E-Alliance, (2022). The report is divided into two sections reflecting the primary perspectives by which the question of trans inclusion has been addressed - one that encompasses biomedical studies and a second that encompasses sociocultural studies. While there are questions of inclusion for non-binary and intersex athletes, this report focused on the population of trans women athletes in the context of elite sport.

Resources

• The Inclusivity Hub, opens in a new tab, Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa, (accessed 13 August 2025). Provides a range of resources for organisations and individuals wanting to start or progress on their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) learning journey. Gender category refers to how a person understands and describes their inner self and their experience and role within their social and cultural context.

Resources

• LGBTQ+, opens in a new tab, Sport England, (accessed 13 August 2025). More needs to be done to encourage more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning people to take part in sport and physical activity.

Programs

• Moving to Inclusion, opens in a new tab. A hub for equality, diversity and inclusion in sport and physical activlity. An initiative by all the UK Sports Councils to provide resources and support for sport and physical activity organisations, moving towards a more diverse, inclusive and socially responsible sector. It includes an opportunity for self-reflection and continual improvement.
  • Moving to Inclusion Framework, opens in a new tab. Guides organisations on developing inclusive practice through self-reflection and continuous improvement. This programme aims to embed equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) through incorporating action planning, implementation, and review into an organisation’s everyday work. The Framework consists of 5 development pillars: Leadership, Culture, Experience, Relationships and Communication. These pillars form the base of the ‘Moving to Inclusion’ Self Diagnostic Tool.
• LEAP Sports Scotland (Leadership, Equality and Active Participation in Sports for LGBTI people in Scotland)., opens in a new tab Works for greater inclusion for LGBTI people in sport and against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in a sports context. They are committed to breaking down the structural, social and personal barriers which prevent lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people across the country from accessing, participating and excelling in Scottish sports.

Research

• A Scoping Review of Transgender Policies in the 15 Most Commonly Played UK Professional Sports, opens in a new tab, Michael McLarnon, Jane Thornton, Gail Knudson, et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Volume 20(4), 3568, (February 2023).

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights), opens in a new tab is the leading UN entity on human rights. They represent the world's commitment to the promotion and protection of the full range of human rights and freedoms set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Policies

• Policy position by United Nations Special Procedures mandate holders in relation to the protection of human rights in sport without discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics, opens in a new tab, (31 October 2023).

News

• UN experts urge States to uphold the ideal of sport that is inclusive of LGBT and intersex persons, opens in a new tab, UN Human Rights, (31 October 2023).

Programs

• You Can Play, opens in a new tab works through partners to make deep and lasting change in sport. We forge strong, strategic partnerships with professional and amateur sports, national and community sport organizations, youth and school sports, universities and corporations, and passionate athletes and individuals to help each one to become the strongest ally voice they can be. Our partner's voice within their community has the best chance to make positive change that welcomes the LGBTQ+ community to sport and ensures they are safe and judged only on their talent or interest in the sport, and not their sexuality or gender identity. We do this through bespoke programs developed with each partner, for their specific needs and opportunities.