Abstract

This second paper examines the implications that recent Australian participation guidelines for transgender and gender diverse people have for the integrity of female sport. A controversial aspect of these guidelines is that trans women (biological males who identify as female) are now eligible to play in female competitions based on their declared gender identity. Our first paper reviewed the inherent and enduring physique and performance superiority of biological males despite gender transitioning, leading to unfairness and safety concerns for natal female competitors in the same events. This paper looks deeper into concerns about how inclusion based on gender identity in sport is not without consequences for the integrity of female sport as a social good. We address matters such as the worth of performance records, role models, sports career opportunities, regulatory imposts on sport and volunteers, and diversion of scarce resources within sport for regulatory compliance. We concluded that for female sport, competitor eligibility based on gender identity is not the solution to complex and important social issues of identity, social justice, and human rights. We urge that sporting bodies in Australia pay heed to these genuine concerns within female sport and devise fairer solutions to inclusion and sport for all that do not compromise the integrity of female sport.