World chess body bars trans women from competing in women’s events
NBCAug 03, 2023
The Facts
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has released new policies banning transgender players from women's events and stripping some trans women of their titles. The new rules will remain until "further analysis" is conducted, which could last two years.
FIDE says it will only recognize an individual's gender identity "consistent with the identity they maintain in their non chess life AND that has been confirmed by national authorities based on a due legal and formal process of change."
The Spin
Left narrative
Since the game of chess has nothing to do with one's physicality, FIDE is unable to hide behind the overused excuse of unfair athletic performance, suggesting that this decision really stems from an anti-trans mindset. In one fell swoop, FIDE has persecuted the trans community and patronized women by suggesting they're intellectually inferior to men. Chess is a game for everyone to enjoy equally, but the professional levels have yet to recognize that fact.
Right narrative
What critics won't tell you is that women already have a choice between competing in the general chess competitions, which are male-dominated, or in the women's tournaments, which are all female. The reason for this isn't that there aren't women in the elite category — although there are very few — but rather to offer women a higher chance of placing in a tournament. FIDE already had an inclusive and fair system underway, so this is nothing more than biological men trying to invade a female-only space.
