PATHA, the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa, is deeply disappointed to learn that the Government has given direction to Sport NZ to remove guidelines that supported the inclusion and active participation of trans and non-binary people in community sport across Aotearoa.

The benefits of participating in sports on physical and mental health and overall wellbeing are well researched and proven. Vulnerable communities such as trans and non-binary individuals face systemic barriers in health. The Government’s directive to Sport NZ adds to these barriers, preventing trans and non-binary people from living healthier lives. Trans and non-binary people's involvement in sport should be encouraged and welcomed; a step towards creating better health outcomes for the community.

The 2022 Counting Ourselves survey of trans and non-binary people in Aotearoa highlights the inequities in trans and non-binary people's access to sport and recreational exercise. The survey showed that many trans and non-binary people already avoid recreational and competitive sport due to feelings of unsafe and unfair treatment. Almost half of Counting Ourselves respondents avoided gender-segregated exercise or recreational sport because they did not know if trans or non-binary people were welcome. Trans and non-binary people participate significantly less in active recreation, competition, events and other organised sport compared to the general population. Only 23% of respondents felt included in sports and active recreational activities they had engaged in because they could be themselves around other participants. This demonstrates an unwelcoming culture in Aotearoa's sporting world. Sport NZ's Government-ordered removal of the guideline worsens the current unwelcoming and isolating culture for trans and non-binary people in sport. The Government’s directive contributes to denying a vulnerable population access to an essential tool for their health.

This is the second guideline relating to transgender inclusion and w

This is the second guideline relating to transgender inclusion and wellbeing that this Government has delayed or cancelled, with the updated Guidelines for Gender Affirming Healthcare indefinitely delayed by the Minister of Health since March.

PATHA hopes that the Government can recognise its decision's harmful effects on an already vulnerable population, and will instead work to support trans and non-binary people to participate in sport.

© Scoop Media