Trans

Trans gender darts champion Noa-Lynn van Leuven is speaking out after the sport’s international governing body released a new gender-eligibility policy that prohibits trans women from female competitions.

“It’s a loss for the trans community in sports. And that breaks my heart,” van Leuven wrote on Instagram on Thursday. “As a trans person in the darts world, I know how vital inclusion is — not just on paper, but in practice. It’s disheartening to see yet another policy framed around ‘fairness’ that ultimately results in exclusion, without truly considering the people behind the labels.”

The World Darts Federation released its new gender-eligibility policy Monday. The rule change, which is effective immediately, states that entry and participation in the federation’s women’s and girls ranking tournaments and cups will only be open to players who were “recorded female at birth.” Under this policy, trans women are ineligible, and trans men are eligible as long as they are not undergoing hormone treatment. All trans women and trans men are eligible to compete in the open category.

Van Leuven, a Dutch darts star who has won several women’s titles in the sport, will be banned from WDF’s female tournaments under the new guidelines.

In a statement announcing the change, the federation said the decision followed a vote at the WDF General Meeting in September where the majority of its members, which consist of national darts organizing bodies, voted in favor of limiting participation in women’s and girls tournaments to those assigned female at birth.

“We understand these changes may be challenging for people who want to compete in darts in the gender which they are now registered as. The WDF has directly contacted its Member Countries so as they can discuss these changes with affected players directly,” the WDF said in its statement.

The participation of trans women in women’s sports has been a hot-button issue for several years, but it reached a crescendo in February, when President Donald Trump signed an executive order prohibiting transgender women and girls from competing in female sports. The order asserted that allowing trans women to compete in athletic competitions that align with their gender identity “is demeaning, unfair, and dangerous to women and girls, and denies women and girls the equal opportunity to participate and excel in competitive sports.”

Since Trump’s trans sports order, a long list of national and international sports organizations have banned or restricted trans women’s participation in female sports, including the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, World Athletics Council and National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Trans Darts Star Speaks Out After World Darts Federation Changes Gender Policy, Celebrating Progress in Inclusivity

The world of sports has always been about more than competition—it is about community, passion, and the pursuit of fairness. Recently, the World Darts Federation (WDF) announced a major change to its gender policy, sparking widespread discussion within the global darts community. Among those who responded was a trans darts star, whose voice has added a personal and powerful dimension to the conversation. Far from being divisive, the reaction has underscored a growing recognition that inclusivity is not only possible in sports but also essential to its future.

A Turning Point in Darts

For decades, darts has been regarded as a sport where mental focus, precision, and discipline matter most. Unlike some other sports heavily influenced by physical differences, darts offers a level playing field where talent, practice, and nerves under pressure define champions. Against this backdrop, the WDF’s decision to review and adjust its gender participation rules is being hailed as a positive turning point.

By updating policies to allow broader participation, the Federation has acknowledged the evolving understanding of gender identity and the importance of ensuring fair access to the sport for all players. The decision not only impacts professional tournaments but also resonates deeply within grassroots leagues, inspiring new players to pursue the game without fear of exclusion.

The Voice of a Trans Athlete

In a heartfelt statement, the trans darts star expressed relief, gratitude, and hope for the future. Speaking candidly, the player noted that this policy shift is not simply about eligibility—it’s about validation and recognition.

“Darts has always been my passion,” the athlete said, “and this change makes me feel truly part of the community. It tells me that my love for the game matters more than anything else.”

This perspective highlights a core truth: sports thrive when they embrace diversity. Inclusion sends a message that talent and dedication are valued above all else, giving every competitor the opportunity to shine.

Why Inclusivity Matters in Sports

Sports have long been a reflection of society’s values. As conversations about gender identity grow worldwide, governing bodies are under pressure to create fair, transparent, and inclusive environments. The WDF’s new stance demonstrates progressive leadership, recognizing that inclusivity and fairness can go hand in hand.

This is not just about darts—it’s about what sports represent. Inclusivity ensures that future generations of athletes will see themselves reflected in competitions and feel empowered to participate. It also helps foster a culture of respect, where players are judged by their performance on the board, not by personal identity.

A Positive Signal for the Future

Critics of gender policy reforms in sports often argue from a perspective of fairness and competition. However, the darts community has shown that dialogue and balance are possible. The WDF’s move demonstrates a willingness to listen, learn, and adapt, sending a positive signal to other sporting organizations facing similar questions.

The trans darts star’s response—marked by gratitude and optimism—embodies the spirit of progress. Instead of dividing the sport, the policy shift has become a moment to celebrate inclusivity while upholding the values of competition and sportsmanship.

Inspiring the Next Generation

One of the most powerful outcomes of this change is the inspiration it offers to young athletes. For aspiring darts players who may have previously felt unwelcome, this decision represents hope and possibility. It shows that the path to competing professionally is open to them, regardless of gender identity.

As the athlete put it, “I hope this inspires others to pick up darts and give it a try. The board doesn’t care who you are—it only reflects how hard you practice.”

This sentiment perfectly captures the transformative power of inclusivity: it widens the circle of participation and encourages fresh talent to step forward.

Conclusion: Celebrating Progress Together

The World Darts Federation’s policy change is more than a rule adjustment—it is a celebration of progress in inclusivity. The trans darts star’s words remind us that sports are at their best when they embrace diversity and recognize each competitor’s passion for the game.

Darts is about precision, strategy, and the courage to compete under pressure. With this new step toward equality, the WDF has ensured that the future of the sport is one where every individual, regardless of gender identity, has the opportunity to thrive.

This is not just a win for one athlete—it’s a win for the entire darts community and for sports as a whole.