News out of New Zealand proves that anti-trans panic is quickly making its way across the globe. A new government policy threatens to defund all publicly funded sports if transgender athletes participate.
The policy change is the brainchild of nationalist group New Zealand First, a spokesperson of which explained that the change is about “fairness and safety in sport for women”. But it’s not difficult to see the true meaning of the proposed ban. While certain International sports authorities have already banned trans participation, the New Zealand ban would apply to local and amateur sports as well, effectively banning trans participants from all forms of public sports.
Related:
How a bisexual Latina filmmaker created a community she and other queer cineastes needed
INTO spoke with Kim Hoyos about how she uses Facebook to build community and how she wants to do an Aubrey Plaza biopic.
Join the frontline of change
Be informed, be inspired, and be part of the conversation that’s shaping a queerer world with our twice-a-week newsletter.
Kiwis are expressing their rage at the transphobic proposal.
As one poster explains, the proposal would directly contradict the stated intention of “protecting women’s sports” by forcing trans men to play on women’s teams.
Transphobia is and always has been a global issue, and we’re seeing that proven beyond a shadow of a doubt this year.
Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...
We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock our articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?
Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated
Read More in Impact
The Latest on INTO
Subscribe to get a twice-weekly dose of queer news, updates, and insights from the INTO team.in Your Inbox