Thousands of people across the women’s football community, as well as allies, have signed a statement pledging their support for the ongoing inclusion of trans women in women’s football.
More than 125 clubs and groups representing in excess of 9,000 people have already signed, along with more than 1,500 individuals, to show that they continue to welcome the participation of trans women.
The statement, launched to counter a petition asking the English FA to ban trans women from affiliated football, is open to all and is being co-ordinated by Football v Homophobia (FvH), which raises awareness of the damaging impact of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination from elite to grassroots.
The FvH campaign, which also has a dedicated Football v Transphobia initiative, actively supports projects that build inclusive communities in the sport.
“Women were banned from football for 50 years, not because we needed to be protected, but because women’s football was seen as too challenging,” reads the statement.
“As women’s football grows, we must not now leave any women behind and this includes trans women, who can benefit hugely from being part of the game we love.”
“There has been a lot of focus on this topic recently but the voices of people within the women’s game itself were not being heard.”
The FA’s current policy allows players who are biologically male, but identify as female aged 16 or older, to play in the women’s game.
In its rules, the FA says it has “undergone a review of its policy on transgender players in line with its commitment to promote Football for Everyone. It is the FA’s firm view that gender identity should not be a barrier to participation in football which is governed by the FA.”
However, it also recognises: “Football is a gender-affected sport of a competitive nature where the physical strength, stamina or physique of average persons of one sex could put them at a disadvantage compared to average persons of the other sex as competitors in a football match.
“English law provides that because of this, separate sporting competitions can be organised for men and women. The general position is that the participation of trans people in competitive sports cannot be restricted unless it is strictly necessary to pursue a legitimate aim, namely securing fair competition and safety of other competitors.”
“As women’s football grows, we must not now leave any women behind and this includes trans women, who can benefit hugely from being part of the game we love.”
An FvH spokesperson said: “There has been a lot of focus on this topic recently but the voices of people within the women’s game itself were not being heard.
“We want clubs in the women’s football community to be aware that this statement has been created for them, and to help spread the word about it when they are training, playing fixtures, communicating, and attending games as supporters.
“Whether you’re going to watch the Lionesses or sending messages to teammates in a group chat, please take a moment to encourage others to read the statement and sign it.”
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