Trans darts player speaks out amid abuse over event win: ‘I am also a human being’
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Transgender darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven has been at the center of a storm of abuse online following her recent victory in a professional women’s darts event. The Dutch player, aged 27, made headlines by defeating the world number one player, Katie Sheldon from Ireland, in the final to claim the £2,000 prize at the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) event in Wigan on Saturday, March 23rd.
This win marked another milestone for van Leuven, who just a week prior had become the first transgender player to secure a victory in a PDC tour event, the Challenge Tour in Germany. Despite her impressive achievements on the darts circuit, van Leuven has faced backlash and discrimination on social media following her triumph.
The abuse directed at van Leuven has taken the form of transphobic comments and misgendering, with some individuals suggesting that she transitioned solely to gain an advantage in sports. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova, a vocal critic of transgender inclusion in women’s sports, added fuel to the fire by stating, “No male bodies in women’s sports please, not even in darts. Again, women get the short end of the stick and it stinks.”
The controversy surrounding van Leuven’s participation in women’s darts has also led to two of her Dutch teammates, Anca Zijlstra and Aileen de Graaf, resigning from the national squad. Both players expressed their disapproval of the rules regarding transgender inclusion in sports, with de Graaf stating, “I just don’t think it’s right for a biological man to throw for the women or vice-versa. It’s either mixed or not.”
Zijlstra echoed these sentiments on social media, writing, “That moment when you’re embarrassed to come out for the Dutch team because a biological man is playing on the women’s team, it’s time to go. I have tried to accept this but I can’t approve or validate this.” The resignations of Zijlstra and de Graaf have sparked further debate within the darts community about fairness and equality in sports.
In response to her teammates’ departure, van Leuven issued a statement emphasizing her humanity and personal journey. She stated, “I don’t really feel the need to go further into it. This has been their choice and not mine. I think the only unfortunate thing about this issue is that a lot of people forget that I am also a human being.”
The backlash against van Leuven comes amid a wider discussion about transgender inclusion in sports, with several sporting bodies implementing bans on transgender athletes in competitions. The tensions have escalated to the point where some US states are enacting legislation to restrict young transgender athletes’ participation in teams.
Despite the adversity she faces, van Leuven has remained steadfast in her commitment to darts and her identity as a transgender woman. She has openly shared her struggles with mental health before transitioning and credits her decision to transition with saving her life. Van Leuven expressed, “I didn’t have anything to live for, I wasn’t in a good space. Then I realized I am trans, [and that] I should do something with that or I am not going to make anything out of my life. I went to the doctor, then into the program.”
After taking a break from competitive darts for several years following her transition, van Leuven returned to the sport with renewed passion. She reflected on her journey, stating, “I was playing darts for nine years and I was missing something in life, then I started playing again. I missed the game, I missed the people.”
In conclusion, Noa-Lynn van Leuven’s success on the darts circuit has not only highlighted her talent and determination but also brought to light the challenges faced by transgender athletes in the world of sports. As debates over fairness and inclusivity continue to unfold, van Leuven’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding towards all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.
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