Transgender and gender nonconforming athletes: Creating safe spaces for all

ABSTRACT

Transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) people have become increasingly visible in sport. Organizations including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), public school districts, and youth sport clubs have developed policies that relate to TGNC athletes. Nevertheless, TGNC athletes still face challenges in sport settings. Coaches and sport psychology practitioners can create welcoming environments for TGNC athletes by asking team members which pronouns they use, being aware of concerns related to locker rooms and other facilities, serving as bridges to legal and mental health resources if needed, educating all athletes about TGNC people, and celebrating the sport accomplishments and contributions of all team members.

KEYWORDS:

• Cisgender
• gender expression
• gender identity
• policy sport
• transgender and gender nonconforming

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to Mark B. Andersen, Britton W. Brewer, Alicia Johnson, and Tae L. Hart for their helpful comments and feedback on an earlier version of this article.