Serious about inclusion
On the 19th June 2022, Fédération Internationale De Natation (FINA) the world governing body for swimming effectively bared Transgender Women from the highest levels of women's international competition unless they began a process to suppress production of testosterone from the age of 12 or at the stage puberty starts if earlier.
Now Swim England have started a similar consultation (Closing Wed 10th Aug 23:59) The questionnaire which I assume has been sent to clubs and members is not only out of touch with reality, it is extremely harmful. Of the 8 questions asked, only 2 relate to any form of information gaining on views of transgender participation with the others being used to identify who is answering the questionnaire.
Now Swim England have started a similar consultation (Closing Wed 10th Aug 23:59) The questionnaire which I assume has been sent to clubs and members is not only out of touch with reality, it is extremely harmful. Of the 8 questions asked, only 2 relate to any form of information gaining on views of transgender participation with the others being used to identify who is answering the questionnaire.
Question 5 asks about fairness, but fails to discuss who they are proposing fairness for. It is something we see regularly in the news and media that we must make it fair for women competing by banning transgender participation, is this what Swim England is implying or have they decided to make a groundbreaking and fair policy for ALL?
Question 6 discusses categories of participation in competitions but fails to mention any other alternatives other than either allowing transgender women to compete as themselves, in categories they have been able to compete in since 2004, or effectively ban them as competing by themselves.
I have two main concerns about this questionnaire, firstly a complete lack of empathy, information and education around how much this could hurt not only trans children and adults, but also the reputation of a sport we all love so dearly.
My second concern is that it is not overly clear who Swim England is consulting on this topic, no way to verify membership statuses. This questionnaire is not available to find on their website but is easy to find via google, they have not consulted or reached out to any LGBTQ+ charities or groups.
You would naturally assume that as an Ambassador for Swim England, I would have been consulted around this subject however I found out about this questionnaire when it was shared to me by a follower on my instagram platform.
I feel I have been forced to write my own UNOFFICIAL Swim England Transgender Policy Consultation, so that I can share the results with Swim England if they wish to engage in discussions and make aquatics a better place.
Question 6 discusses categories of participation in competitions but fails to mention any other alternatives other than either allowing transgender women to compete as themselves, in categories they have been able to compete in since 2004, or effectively ban them as competing by themselves.
I have two main concerns about this questionnaire, firstly a complete lack of empathy, information and education around how much this could hurt not only trans children and adults, but also the reputation of a sport we all love so dearly.
My second concern is that it is not overly clear who Swim England is consulting on this topic, no way to verify membership statuses. This questionnaire is not available to find on their website but is easy to find via google, they have not consulted or reached out to any LGBTQ+ charities or groups.
You would naturally assume that as an Ambassador for Swim England, I would have been consulted around this subject however I found out about this questionnaire when it was shared to me by a follower on my instagram platform.
I feel I have been forced to write my own UNOFFICIAL Swim England Transgender Policy Consultation, so that I can share the results with Swim England if they wish to engage in discussions and make aquatics a better place.
Respond to the UNOFFICIAL Swim England Transgender Policy Consultation
(Consultation Now Closed)
(Consultation Now Closed)