Transgender people in sports

The participation of transgender people in competitive sports, a traditionally sex-segregated institution, has become a subject of debate and discussion. Particularly, the inclusion of transgender women and girls in women's sports.

Opponents of including transgender athletes in competitive sports argue that physiological differences create unfair advantages and safety concerns, while supporters highlight the effects of hormone therapy and the importance of inclusion. These debates have led to scrutiny of sex verification and eligibility rules, which some view as necessary for fairness and others as discriminatory. With no unified international policy, individual sports organizations set their own standards, and some have restricted transgender women's participation in women's categories.

Historically, transgender athletes were often excluded or required to compete based on sex assigned at birth. As gender-affirming treatments became more common, sports bodies introduced criteria like hormone requirements and sex verification. The International Olympic Committee’s decision to allow transgender athletes under certain conditions marked a turning point, but policies still vary widely across sports and countries, fueling ongoing debates among athletes, organizations, and advocacy groups.