Mermaids broadly welcomes the new framework on inclusion for transgender athletes from the International Olympic Committee, published on Tuesday 16 November 2021.

This framework stresses that no athlete should be excluded from competition on the assumption of an advantage due to their gender. The new guidance follows a two-year consultation process with more than 250 athletes and concerned stakeholders.

The new framework focuses on 10 principles: inclusion, prevention of harm, non-discrimination, fairness, no presumption of advantage, evidence-based approach, primacy of health and bodily autonomy, stakeholder-centred approach, right to privacy and periodic reviews.

This framework stresses that no athlete should be excluded from competition on the assumption of an advantage due to their gender”

International federations developing their eligibility criteria are instructed to consider all 10 of the principles holistically, rather than picking and choosing some over others, although the framework is not legally binding.

Canadian footballer Quinn, who became the world first openly transgender Olympic gold medallist at the 2020 Olympics said in a statement: “This new IOC framework is ground-breaking in the way that it reflects what we know to be true – that athletes like me and my peers participate in sports without any inherent advantage, and that our humanity deserves to be respected.”

Mermaids fully supports all gender diverse children and young people to play the sport they love now and in the future. Read more about our Active About Inclusion campaign here.