Structures for the inclusion of transgender and non-binary athletes
THEMES
– Representation in management, governance and leadership
– Facilities
– Fighting discrimination
– Diversity education and training
– Structures for the inclusion of transgender and non-binary athletes
TARGETED OBJECTIVES
– Respecting and highlighting people’s different gender identities, enabling access to all aspects of the sport including official competitions.
– Raising awareness for transgender and non-binary athletes.
MAIN INITIATIVE
The club started off under the name “Vienna Rollergirls” but has been always open for transgender and non-binary people. After the first transgender athlete joined the club around 6 years ago the club decided to change their name to the more inclusive “Vienna Roller Derby”. This initiated a process of implementing more and more actions to raise awareness for people’s different gender identities, such as:
– Request to state personal pronouns before starting practice (coach and players)
– Request to add personal pronouns to one’s name in the club’s online communication platform
– Production of helmet stickers with personal pronouns (coming soon)
– Sign up forms for external and internal use (workshops, games) offer preferred pronoun selection
– Information for announcers: players to be introduced with their desired pronouns
– Where possible at event locations: gender neutral toilets
– Clear communication about the policy in the bylaws and all official channels
– Active participation in action days (IDAHOBIT, Pride, etc) to raise awareness
– Social media policy to use gender neutral language on all official channels
– Coaching policy to use gender neutral language
BENEFICIARIES
All club members benefit but especially transgender and non-binary members, with an
average age range of 25-30. The club only allows female, non-binary and transgender
skaters. The club does not accept cis men as skaters, but cis men can join the club as
referees or non-skating officials.
IMPACT OF THE INITIATIVE
As a result of the implementation of this initiative, transgender and non-binary people are
welcome and considered an essential part of the sport. They have full access to all sport
competitions.
SUSTAINABILITY AND TRANSFERABILITY
Vienna Roller Derby has developed a structure that allows it to have a culture of open discussion to make sure that all the needs of members are heard and taken seriously. Using the concept of flat hierarchies in the club’s structure, members have the opportunity to discuss issues of concern at monthly assemblies. This is coupled with the presence of a Care Committee: an official group of people that can be approached (anonymously) with sensitive topics that often also concern gender identities and how they are dealt with in sport.
Monthly meetings make sure that actions are implemented. A flat hierarchy allows all members to actively participate in decision making processes and therefore shape the club culture to their needs, with clear communication and activism concerning gender policies. The club tries to be a role model for other sports by showing that inclusion is possible and can be transferred to all areas of everyday life. For this to happen, allowing both transgender and non-binary athletes more space to communicate their experiences with sport and roller derby must be prioritised. All new members and
coaches should also receive a little sensitivity training when joining the club to gain greater awareness of the gender policies that are in place.
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