For decades, women have fought tirelessly for the right to participate in sport. From being outright banned from competing, to being sidelined, underfunded, or forced to use gear designed for men, the road to equality has been anything but smooth. But we’ve made strides—more female athletes than ever are competing at elite levels, media coverage is improving, and protective equipment is finally being made with women in mind. However, just as momentum builds, we face a new and complex challenge: how to fairly include transgender women in female sport without undermining the progress women have worked so hard to achieve.
A History of Exclusion
Women’s sporting history is defined by barriers. It wasn’t long ago that women were told they were too weak, too emotional, or too “fragile” for sport. Some were even banned from running long distances out of fear their reproductive organs might suffer. When women did compete, they were often mocked, underpaid, or forced to prove their sex. Protective gear—if available—was designed for the male form, leaving female athletes vulnerable to injury. The industry simply wasn’t built with women in mind.
Despite these challenges, women persevered. Movements like Title IX in the U.S., advocacy from female athletes, and growing awareness of gender inequity have pushed us forward. Companies are finally designing gear that fits women’s bodies. Coverage of women’s sport is increasing. Conversations around equal pay, representation, and athlete safety are finally happening.
Transgender Inclusion: A New Layer of Complexity
In Australia, the AFL has developed policies to navigate transgender inclusion. At the elite level, transgender women must meet strict requirements—such as maintaining low testosterone levels and passing physical benchmarks—to be eligible for women’s competitions. However, at the community level, the rules are more relaxed to encourage participation and inclusion. 9News
While the intention is admirable, the real-world impact has raised concerns. In community AFL, where older or less physically resilient players participate, there are growing reports of women dropping out of competitions due to fears around physical mismatches when playing against transgender women (biological males). Players like Jill Chalmers have publicly voiced concerns about safety and fairness, noting that women are quietly leaving teams rather than risking injury or feeling unheard. rebelnews.com
This issue is not about exclusion or discrimination—it’s about protecting what women have fought for. If the result of inclusion is that cisgender women stop playing, feel unsafe, or feel sidelined once again, we’re simply recreating the inequalities of the past in a different form. The Guardian
So, What’s the Answer?
Banning transgender athletes from sport is not the answer. Sport should be for everyone—regardless of gender identity. But fairness, safety, and the integrity of female competition must also be protected.
That’s why it’s time to seriously consider the development of a dedicated, inclusive league or competition category specifically for transgender and gender-diverse athletes. Much like the Paralympics created fair and empowering opportunities for athletes with disabilities, a dedicated league for transgender players could ensure inclusion and fairness for all.
Such a move would:
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Provide transgender athletes with a supportive space to compete
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Prevent cisgender women from feeling forced out of their own leagues
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Encourage thoughtful, long-term policy and program development around gender in sport
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Promote safety, especially in contact sports where physicality matters
Creating a dedicated league isn’t about division—it’s about evolution. It acknowledges that inclusion shouldn’t come at the cost of another group’s progress, and it recognizes that fairness must be a two-way street.
Conclusion
Women and girls have fought for generations to earn their rightful place in sport—on the field, in the spotlight, and in the boardroom. But today, that progress is at risk. We believe that female athletes deserve fair, safe, and equal opportunities to compete. If you support protecting the integrity of women’s sport and ensuring that policies reflect both inclusion and safety, we invite you to sign the Women’s Forum Australia petition. Stand with us in defending the future of women and girls in sport.
👉 Sign here: https://www.womensforumaustralia.org/womeninsport_2408
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