Fide Upsets LGBTQ+ Chess Community With Ban On Trans Women

Summary:

• Fide will no longer allow trans women to play in women’s chess world events
• Fide will require individual analysis of each trans woman which could take 2 years
• LGBTQ+ Community unhappy with Fide’s decision

The International Chess Federation or World Chess Federation which usually goes by Fide (a French acronym) made a decision this week to change its policy and prevent trans women from competing in World Chess events.

No More Trans Women In World Chess Events

Fide which is based out of Lausanne, Switzerland reported that a number of its members have reported an increase in the number of trans women who want to participate in women’s chess events. Fide reviewed the situation and decided that trans women can no longer participate in world chess events until an individual assessment is carried out.

The individual assessment of each trans woman is set to be a lengthy process and can take up to 24 months. Fide also made it clear that there were multiple questions being raised regarding transgenders playing in world chess events which is an evolving situation for chess. Fide said changes to its policy could take place in the future based on the evidence obtained from research studies.

In a statement, Fide said

Change of gender is a change that has a significant impact on a player’s status and future eligibility to tournaments, therefore it can only be made if there is a relevant proof of the change provided. In the event that the gender was changed from a male to a female the player has no right to participate in official Fide events for women until further Fide’s decision is made.

LGBTQ+ Community Unhappy With Fide Decision

The LGBTQ+ Community and a number of other advocacy groups were not happy with Fide’s decision as they feel that transgenders are being treated unfairly. A number of sports federations such as the International Cycling Union and World Aquatics, formerly known as FINA have recently issued a ban to prevent trans women from competing in women’s sports.

World Athletics have also decided to stop trans women from competing in women’s track and field events. These decisions were made after women in these respective sports complained that it was unfair on them to get a man who identifies as a woman to compete against them and gain an unfair advantage!