Today (Thursday 30 September 2021) the Sports Council Equality Group have published their “Review into Transgender Inclusion in Domestic Sport in the UK.”

We are disappointed to read this review, which rather than focussing on bettering its existing guidance for trans people in sport, yet again ignores the lived experiences of trans people, and misinterprets the Equality Act and academic literature.

This report will have ramifications for trans people in the sporting community, and only seeks to cause unnecessary hostility, exclusion and confusion for those wishing to participate in sport.

It is important to remember that the SCEG report only exists as guidance: it is not mandatory. Sports groups and organisations are entitled and encouraged to write and implement their own policies on including trans and non-binary people in sport.

Mermaids will be preparing a longer statement on this report which explains what this guidance means in real-world terms, as well as why this report is flawed. Alongside our colleagues LEAP Sports (Scotland), Pride Sports, LGBT+ Sport Cymru and Scottish Trans, Mermaids offer our full solidarity and support to all trans and non-binary people participating in sport.

If you have any questions or concerns, or you are a National Governing Body needing advice, please get in touch with [email protected].