Perspectives of British Fencing Members on the Inclusion of Transgender People in Fencing in the UK: D1.S3.2(3)

In 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) updated its policy, prompting many national governing bodies (NGBs) to revise their competition policies regarding transgender athletes. These revisions are required to consider fairness, safety, inclusivity in an athlete centered manner. In line with this, the aim of the current study was to explore the views of British Fencing (BF) members on transgender athlete inclusion in UK fencing.With institutional ethical approval, a survey was distributed to BF members over the age of 18, garnering 697 valid responses (mean ± s, age = 43.77 ± 18.15 years; 420 men, 222 women, 38 identifying outside traditional gender binary, 14 preferred not to say). The survey consisted of 19 closed questions and 14 open ended questions, and 18 follow-up interviews. Demographic questions included participation level (i.e., competitive, or recreational), weapons fenced, and fencing experience. Questions explored attitudes towards transgender participation, perceptions of retained advantages in transition, policy suggestions for gender inclusion, and methods to encourage transgender participation in UK fencing. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.Among women competing in National Championships, 16.2% supported transgender women’s inclusion based on gender identity, with 19.1% supporting this at BF Ranking Events, and 12.8% at Home Nation Events. Suggestions for fair inclusion included case-by-case assessments and requiring a specific duration of hormone replacement therapy. Most respondents welcomed transgender men in gendered categories. Additionally, 45.5% believed gender-led competitive opportunities might not always be appropriate, 25.5% were unsure, 17.7% disagreed, and 12.1% did not respond. About 39.3% of women supported an open category at National Championships, 40.6% at BF Ranking Events, and 39.7% at Home Nation Events. Ongoing research on the topic was deemed crucial. Regular reviews of competitive policy based on the latest research were also emphasised. Findings of the thematic analysis of interviews highlighted three themes: ‘Inclusive Culture’, ‘Skills Over Physical Attributes’, and ‘Gendered Equity’. In conclusion, the majority favoured creating open categories and were supportive of inclusion at recreation settings. Fencing was seen as an inclusive environment and to change this would be detrimental to both transgender people and the sport, especially in non-competitive settings.