Thousands signing statement of support for ongoing inclusion of trans women in women’s football
Clubs and leagues within the women’s football community endorsing statement; English FA’s trans inclusion policy has been in operation for more than 10 years; statement co-ordinated by Football v Homophobia, which says: “Join us now in calling on the FA to keep trans women playing…
A statement of support for the ongoing inclusion of trans women in women’s football is attracting thousands of signatories.
Those across the women’s football community, as well as their allies, are adding the names of their clubs, leagues, groups and organisations to show that they continue to welcome the participation of trans women.
More than 125 clubs and groups representing in excess of 9,000 people have already signed, along with more than 1,500 individuals.
The statement 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.”
We’ve reached 1,500 signatures, including 122 clubs & organisations representing more than 8,500 people 🎉🎉 If you haven’t already signed >>> footballvhomophobia.com/let_them_play/
— Football v Homophobia (@fvhfeed.bsky.social) November 25, 2024 at 1:17 PM
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FvH has created the statement after a petition was launched asking the English FA to ban trans women from affiliated football.
The FA has had a trans inclusion policy in place since 2014. This policy continues to allow trans women to participate in women’s football if they meet certain criteria, which includes an assessment by a medical expert.
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.”
Visit the ‘Let Them Play’ page on the Football v Homophobia website to learn more.
Discover more content in our dedicated Football v Transphobia section.
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