1st Edition
Transgender and Non-Binary People in Everyday Sport A Trans Feminist Approach to Improving Inclusion
This formative work discusses the transgender people’s inclusion in everyday sport in the UK. It adopts a trans feminist approach to explore pivotal topics regarding the barriers to participation faced by transgender and non-binary people.
Offering a critical perspective on the current landscape surrounding this topic, the book draws from insightful interviews conducted by the author with eighteen transgender and non-binary individuals. The author uses a critical social science approach to explore the heteropatriarchal construction of sport in the modern industrialised west, and how this has formed the backdrop to the continuing discrimination towards, many athletes, not just those who are transgender. Using firsthand perspectives, it focuses on the three themes of the sporting body, sporting spaces and sporting communities. It investigates why conversations about fairness and safety regarding transgender athletes have become so polarised within the media, and the significance of taking a trans feminist approach to reducing barriers in sport. Lastly, the book’s key findings initiate a dialogue on the importance of gender affirmation in sport, the value of supportive teammates/role models, and how sporting spaces can be reimagined to promote greater inclusion for all.
Transgender and Non-Binary People in Everyday Sport is a crucial resource for researchers, academics, and students in the field of social science, sports organisations, policy makers, third-sector organisations, activists and other related disciplines. The book will also be a compelling read for anyone with an interest in improving inclusion for transgender people in everyday sport, and learn more about how trans feminism can achieve this.
Meet the participants
Acknowledgements
01. The Social Construction of Modern Sport
02. Transgender and Non-binary People in Sport
03. Towards a Trans Feminist Methodology and an Ethics of Care
04. Sporting Bodies
05. Sporting Spaces
06. Sporting Communities
07. Conclusion
Glossary
Index
Biography
Abby Barras is a Critical Social Scientist based at the University of Brighton, UK, where she teaches in the School of Humanities and Social Science.
This is a highly insightful book that scrutinises the intricate interplay between gender and sport by exploring historical gender ideology and systemic barriers for trans and gender diverse people. With a trans-feminist lens, it amplifies the voices of a marginalised community, advocating for inclusive sporting environments. A compelling read for scholars and advocates alike, igniting conversations on equity in sports.
- Dr Beth Jones (she/her), Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Nottingham Trent University
An empowering read that thoughtfully and helpfully foregrounds the lived experiences of trans and nonbinary people. Through a trans feminist lens, this book offers practical insights and progressive strategies for enhancing inclusion, making it a valuable resource for sports studies scholars and those working in sport. A must-read for anyone passionate about creating a more equitable and affirming sporting community.
- Dr Sheree Bekker, Senior Lecturer at University of Bath
Abby Barras presents a caring and patient view on the position of trans people in sport and physical activity. The experiences and voices of trans people are centred in this book while examining how sport has reached this point - offering a compassionate perspective on an aspect of inclusion that has divided people in sporting worlds. Like Abby, I encourage readers to take their time and use the perspectives of the people who offer insight into their lives here, in order to search for unity not division.
- Dr Joanne Hill, Senior Lecturer in Physical Education and Sport Sociology at University of Bedfordshire
This is an important and brilliant book. With care and integrity, Barras cuts through the noisy misinformation about trans inclusion in sport - using facts, social and historical context, and the lived experiences of trans people. This book deserves to be read by everyone who cares about social justice.
Unfortunately, some feminists are leading the charge for trans exclusion. Barras’ trans feminist account will be a touchstone for those of us who know instinctively that banning trans women from sport is not a feminist thing to do, but who feel silenced by all the misinformation. A must-read.
- Professor Alison Phipps, author of Me, Not You: the trouble with mainstream feminismThis book makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of gender diverse people in sport. This fascinating research overcomes divisions by connecting theory and practice. It moves freely between disciplines and centralises the lived experiences of gender diverse people to explore barriers and improve inclusion. By taking risks and engaging with the community, the book increases the visibility of marginalised people through their powerful stories. These authentic accounts are missing from the literature and deserve their place in current and future gender eligibility consultation.
- Dr Seema Patel, Associate Professor in Sports Law at Nottingham Law School, Nottingham Trent University.
