A recent study conducted by Trans Connect in collaboration with Simon Fraser University has shed light on a concerning trend among non-binary youths in Canada. The study, which surveyed queer, non-binary, and transgender individuals aged 14 to 26, reveals that a significant majority are avoiding participation in sports teams due to fears of discrimination.
Only 11 percent of non-binary youth in Canada currently engage in organized team sports. This underrepresentation is a result of several factors, with two-thirds citing the requirement to play on binary-gendered teams (men’s or women’s) as a primary deterrent. Additionally, four out of five non-binary youths expressed concerns related to changing rooms or locker rooms’ layouts.
Discriminatory comments from teammates and coaches were a significant factor for 50 percent of those surveyed, while one in six reported witnessing someone being physically harassed because of their gender. These findings underline the urgent need for inclusive measures in Canadian sports.
Canada has been relatively open to trans and non-binary athletes compared to its US counterparts, where restrictive laws have been enacted in 23 states over the past three years. Canada’s Women’s World Cup 2023 team featured a star player who is a non-binary athlete, and footballer Quinn made history as the first openly trans, non-binary athlete to win an Olympic gold medal.
In response to these challenges, Trans Connect and Simon Fraser University researchers propose several solutions to encourage non-binary athletes’ participation. These include allowing participants to choose the gendered team they prefer, offering co-ed team options, creating gender-neutral changing areas, and providing better education on diverse genders and sexualities.
Simon Fraser University’s health sciences assistant professor, Travis Salway, emphasized the importance of inclusive sports participation, stating, “Non-binary youth deserve the same opportunity to participate in team sports as everyone else.” These solutions aim to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment, ensuring that non-binary athletes can fully enjoy the benefits of participating in organized sports.