Trans girls will still be allowed to play in Glasgow’s school female netball league as part of efforts across the city to keep sport inclusive for LGBTQ+ pupils.
Young people can also take part in athletics based on their gender identity and there are gender neutral gymnastic events for pupils in the city.
Glasgow's education convenor Christina Cannon said the council works with schools to ensure trans and non-binary pupils take part in sport “in line with their gender identity.”
The SNP city politician revealed the policies in response to a question from councillor Holly Bruce, who asked what action is being taken to “ensure trans and non-binary people are still included within school sports” at Thursday's full council meeting.
Welcoming how trans girls can play netball, councillor Bruce described it as “horrific” that the Scottish FA has decided to ban trans women from playing the “beautiful game.”
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Describing work to encourage trans and non-binary pupils to take part in sport, Councillor Cannon said: “Education services are committed to ensure that all children, including trans and non-binary pupils, can participate in physical activity and sport in schools and communities.”
She said key actions include “mixed gender sport in primary schools” and “PEPASS’s girls netball league with over 600 pupils, including trans girls.”
Explaining other activities, she said there are “Super 7s (athletics) events allowing young people to compete based on gender identity, gender neutral gymfest and floor and vaults events and a fully inclusive citywide dance programme promoting positive gender inclusion, which is one of the highlights of my diary every year.”
She added: ”Non-contact sports are fully inclusive with more specific regulations for competitive levels.
“We work closely with schools to support trans and non-binary pupils ensuring that they engage in sport in line with their gender identity.
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“This includes addressing any school practices or policies that may be inadvertently perpetuate exclusion or invisibility for trans and gender diverse students.”
Councillor Cannon said the council would continue “advocating for policies that respect and validate trans identities.”
She continued: “It is reasonable to have single sex spaces but it is also reasonable to make provision for children and young people who are non-binary and we will continue to do that.
“Our goal is to create a truly inclusive environment where LGBTQ+ young people are celebrated, feel safe and are free from stigma, bullying or microaggressions.”
Councillor Bruce asked if the council is concerned about a decrease in participation from the “likes of young trans girls and those marginalised genders” in light of the SFA decision.
Pointing out the physical and mental benefits of exercise, Councillor Cannon replied: “We know that trans people and LGBT people in general are more likely to suffer from ill mental health. Any barrier in the way of participating in sport is worrying for me personally.”
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