‘Exactly as you are’: Gymnasts now allowed to pick uniform, competition in line with gender identity

Australia’s governing body for gymnastics will allow athletes to choose their own uniform and competition in line with their gender identity, in a massive policy shake-up.

Gymnastics Australia’s new guidelines were released on Wednesday. Picture: Loren Elliott / AFP

Gymnastics Australia will allow athletes to pick their own uniforms in line with their gender identity, according to new guidelines just released.

The country’s governing body for gymnastics has reaffirmed its position on stamping out “discrimination of any sort” across the sport, releasing new Guidelines for the Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse People in Community Gymnastics.

“We recognise that the inclusion of transgender and gender diverse people within sport is a complex and emotive issue, and it is important to note that these guidelines are focused on creating and fostering inclusive environments,” the new policy, released on Wednesday, states.

“There is a place in our sport for everyone, exactly as you are.”

Gymnasts will be able to pick uniforms in line with their gender identity under the new guidelines. Picture: Facebook

Transgender and gender-diverse athletes will be included at all community gymnastics competitions and individuals will be able to participate in the competition most reflective of their gender identity.

More specific or detailed regulations, however, may apply to higher levels of competition or events.

“For mixed-gender competitions, people can participate in a manner which best reflects their gender identity,” the guidelines read.

“Rules for mixed-gender competitions will be applied based on gender identity.”

Participants may wear the uniform of their choosing in line with their gender identity and in cases where gendered uniforms are necessary, may pick freely between the two.

Change rooms were found to be common sites for harassment and bullying of gender diverse athletes. Picture: Loren Elliott / AFP

Where new facilities are built or undergoing upgrades, clubs will be asked to create more options for changing rooms to accommodate gender diverse individuals.

People will also be able to choose which existing changing and bathroom facilities they would like to use, reflective of their gender identity.

Gymnastics Australia chief executive Alexandra Ash said the guidelines renewed the body’s commitment to ensure the sport was “a safe and inclusive environment for everyone”.

“Diversity ensures our sport is better for all involved, and we want everyone to feel comfortable and supported as part of the gymnastics community,” she said.

“We also want all members to feel celebrated in who they are and see them continue to contribute to the diverse community and legacy of gymnastics as one of Australia’s most popular sports for young people.”

Gymnastics continues to be one of the country’s most popular sports for young people. Picture: Loren Elliott / AFP

The guidelines cited recent studies showing Australian sports as “hostile and unwelcoming” to young people with diverse genders and sexualities.

Traditional male sports were also found to be considered “toxic” and change rooms were cited as common sites for harassment and bullying of young queer and gender queer people.

The major policy changes come after Gymnastics Australia joined the Commonwealth National Redress Scheme as a participating Institution last week.

The organisation said it has also further invested in processes and systems to ensure child safeguarding in the future.