Playing in between the Lines: The Everyday Experiences of Nonbinary Athletes Competing in Competitive Team Sports in the Netherlands

Abstract

This thesis examines the everyday experiences of young adult nonbinary athletes who participate in a competitive team sport in the Netherlands. Sport has always been of exclusionary nature and dominated by men. There does not seem to be a place for nonbinary athletes in binary gender segregated sport competition. However, little research has been done on the topic of nonbinary people in sport. The central question of this thesis, therefore is: “How do nonbinary young adult athletes navigate their gender identity while playing competitive team sports in the Netherlands?” The research was conducted through two rounds of interviews. The first interviews were exploratory and unstructured, while the second round of interviews were semi-structured through the use of an interview guide. My analysis showed that the queer inclusive climate participants experienced while playing sport, the experiences of gender euphoria, and being seen as part of the team were experienced as positives. Gender dysphoria and little visibility of nonbinary athletes were seen as challenges by the participants. I concluded that while theory makes us think that the Netherlands is an inclusive and considerate policy, the practice shows that this is not always the case. Regulations on fair play and trans* athletes are not clear. Furthermore, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach or solution for nonbinary athletes. It is person dependent what nonbinary athletes face and need. What was important for all participants, however, is that they are given space to come out and that they are seen as part of the team.