Pawns in a game

COMMENTARY BY ALICIA FAJARDO, STAFF WRITER

GENDER segregation in chess is a practice that goes back as far as the game does. Since chess is a male-dominated sport, women often feel intimidated to participate. Nowadays, transgender athletes and their so-called “biological advantages” occupy dinner table debates and sports columns alike across the globe. The International Chess Federation has been the most recent on this unjust rampage of pointless regulations, banning all transgender women from playing in official federation events. Accusing transgender people of trying to cheat the system by being themselves is insulting to both men and women and is rooted in dated and debunked ideology.

The federation has made their standpoint clear by announcing that all women who have since transitioned from identifying as men will no longer be permitted to participate in official events at all. Additionally, no transgender people will be able to engage in events without first reapplying as their preferred gender with the appropriate identification stating their legal gender change. All victory titles held by these individuals before they transitioned will be voided. In their statement, the ICF further acknowledges that new regulations for trans athletes in other sports may affect further rules.

The federation states that a gender change has a significant impact on transgender people’s eligibility to participate in future events. A recent Forbes analysis describes the policy’s new rule requiring transgender players to provide ample proof of their gender transition in compliance with their national laws and regulations. After acquiring the necessary identification with their new gender status and legal name, players must then reapply with their National Rating Officer to be eligible for competitions again.

“I think the Chess Federation wants to put people into groups and keep them organized,” chess club captain Ruben Cruz said. “I don’t agree with it. I think anyone should be allowed to play chess.”

Hypocritically, the federation’s statement clarified that while a player’s titles would not be transferred, their previous penalties will still be on their record. This is an ironic form of punishing transgender players for being their authentic selves. This statement sends the message that transitioning is inherently a negative thing that will always lead to detransitioning.

The federation has yet to explicitly show their true reasoning, whether it is to further the progression of chess or simply a political move to cater to their more conservative players. Online, people have been quick to bash the federation over their very sudden release.

Richard Pringle, a professor of sociology at Monash University in Australia, told the Washington Post that the new policies send the message that male chess players are overall more strategic than females. He further commented that the statement is not only transphobic but also has misogynistic undertones.

“I’ve played chess since I was in elementary school,” freshman Makhaiyah Woods said. “Girls or boys, it comes down more to how your mind works.”

Ultimately, chess has historically been a pastime enjoyed by all people, regardless of their position in society. From inmates to world leaders, any two people can sit down and enjoy the mental challenge of a good game. Whatever the rationale, the federation does believe that restricting transgender people from participating in such a universally enjoyed game is somehow protecting their integrity, a rather tragic message for aspiring chess players already struggling with their gender identity.