A trans woman has publicly protested against discriminatory policies in competitive swimming by competing in an open category race without a top. Anne Isabella Coombes, 67, faced exclusion from female competitions by Swim England, the country’s governing swimming body, due to a recent policy that bans trans women from participating in female categories based on their birth sex.
Coombes, who transitioned during the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2020, previously had permission to compete in female events after petitioning Swim England in 2022. However, the organization’s newly established policy replaced the men’s category with an “open” category for individuals who do not have a “birth sex of female.” This policy does not clarify regulations for trans men, complicating matters further.
In her demonstration, Coombes swam in men’s sports trunks and without a top to highlight the unfairness of the policy, which she argues disproportionately impacts trans individuals. She emphasized that the condition requiring her to wear a female costume while competing against men effectively outed her as transgender. Coombes challenged Swim England on their rules, stating, “I explained to the person on the phone that they are not allowed to do that, and he didn’t have an answer.”
Her actions resonate with broader protests within the LGBTQ+ community. In a related event earlier this year, trans activists staged a topless demonstration outside the Scottish Parliament to express their advocacy for trans rights and equality, highlighting that trans women should be recognized as women regardless of legal definitions.
Despite the controversy and opposition surrounding trans women in competitive sports, there is no substantial evidence that suggests they possess an intrinsic advantage over cisgender women in such settings. Coombes has voiced her determination to combat the harmful implications of the current policies, arguing that they unfairly target trans women.
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and inclusivity within sports and society, and the importance of advocating for fair treatment for all athletes, regardless of gender identity.
Coombes’ protest underscores a significant concern about inclusivity and the need for policies that reflect the realities of gender identity in sports competitions. It is essential for governing bodies to engage with trans athletes to create rules that ensure both inclusivity and fairness.