FGG’s reaction to the UCI’s unilateral ban on all female transgender athletes

On 14th July 2023 the UCI - the world governing body for sports cycling and oversees international competitive cycling events - decided that all “female transgender athletes who have transitioned after (male) puberty will be prohibited from participating in women’s events”. 

This blanket decision takes none of the previous WADA rules into consideration with strict home limits, testing procedures and protocols and instead opted for just an outright ban.

The Canadian former competitive cyclist Melanie Hudson wrote to the FGG to express her sadness at the ruling and asked that we would make a very clear public statement of support for her and trans women athletes in cycling in general.

The FGG fundamental values - participation, inclusion and personal best - mean that we welcome all participants to compete in the category of their choice and however they identify. 

Athlete Ally who work with the Gay Games to provide safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people in sport felt “UCI had chosen fear and exclusion over actual fairness and inclusivity, taking rights and opportunities from one does not equate to fairness for all”.

Later this year, at our upcoming 11th Gay Games in Guadalajara and Hong Kong, we will strive to highlight ways to make sport as inclusive as possible, but at the foremost is the ability for people to compete in their chosen gender and that remains a fundamental principle of the Gay Games.