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Few issues in sports have generated as much public debate in recent years as transgender athlete participation. Media coverage and political rhetoric often frame the topic as a major crisis in athletics, yet the actual number of transgender athletes competing remains very small. Much of the public conversation is shaped by misunderstandings about biology, sports governance, and the purpose of sports participation. sports experts + medical research debunk 20 myths about trans

Over the past few years, transgender athletes have become one of the most debated topics in sports.  Behind the noise, three questions matter most: What is the global status of trans athlete policies? What does science actually say about biology and athletic advantage? Why did this issue become such a political flashpoint in the first place? Global policy updates, best practices, and current research This guide breaks down the evidence, the history, and the misconceptions sha

Best Practices for Trans Athlete Participation While debates about transgender athletes often focus on elite competition, most sports organizations are simply trying to answer a practical question: what policies actually work? A guide of best practices to expanding participation categories + including trans and gender diverse athletes in your sport. Many leagues, schools, and governing bodies have already developed frameworks that balance inclusion, fairness, and safety. The

In this blog, we’ll take a look at the history of homophobia and transphobia in organized sports, the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ athletes, and the progress made toward inclusivity. Understanding this history isn’t just about looking back. It’s about recognizing the work still ahead of us to create a sports culture that celebrates diversity, safety, and respect for all. History of Homophobia in Organized Sport Early Sports Culture: Enforcing Gender Norms and Exclusion For much

Understanding Gender Policing in Sports Beyond the Binary: Heteronormativity, Gender Policing, and the Culture of Sport At You Can Play, we believe sports should be a space where every athlete—no matter their gender identity or sexuality—can show up, play hard, and be themselves without apology. But that’s not the norm yet. Too often, athletes are expected to conform to narrow, outdated ideas of who belongs, how to behave, and what’s considered “normal.” Enter heteronormativi

At You Can Play, we’re committed to creating a sports environment that is safe, inclusive, and respectful for every athlete, regardless of gender identity. Transgender athletes often face unique challenges in sports spaces, where transphobia can take many forms—from discriminatory legislation to harmful language. Transphobia in sports affects not only individual athletes but also the overall integrity of sports as a space for unity and achievement. In this blog post, we’ll ex

In the world of sports, the experiences of transgender and nonbinary sports participants are often misunderstood or overlooked. Now, a new research project aims to give voice to these stories, seeking to deepen understanding and awareness of the challenges and triumphs trans sport participants face. Ph.D. student Jess Hamdan, in collaboration with their advisor, Dr. Adam Love, at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is conducting a pivotal dissertation project on the exper

The question of whether transgender athletes have an unfair advantage in sports because of hormones is complex, highly debated, and...

Transgender athletes have been allowed to compete in the Olympics since 2004. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) introduced...

What is the relationship between Trans Athletes and Title IX? The relation of transgender athletes to Title IX—a landmark U.S. federal...

Transgender athletes are allowed to compete in the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association). The NCAA has developed policies to...

Everything you need to know about trans athletes, hormones, and individual variability for trans women + trans men athletes. Trans Women...