Transgender disc golfer removed from women’s tournament due to legal issues.

Transgender Disc Golf Player Natalie Ryan Loses Appeal to Compete in Women’s Tournament

Background

Disc golf player Natalie Ryan, a biological man who identifies as a transgender woman, recently lost an appeal to compete in a California women’s tournament. The Professional Disc Golf Association changed its regulations on transgender participation in December, which prevented Ryan from playing in the women’s division. Ryan filed a discrimination case in February, alleging that the tour’s decision was motivated by “prejudice.”

The Court’s Decision

U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley granted Ryan a temporary restraining order on Thursday, allowing the trans-player to participate. However, the tour appealed the decision on Friday and was successful, even after Ryan had already finished the first round. Ryan was then eliminated from the competition altogether after placing fifth for the day. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals wrote in its decision that “this order restores the DGPT’s ability to enforce its current policy on Gender Eligibility.”

Ryan’s Response

Ryan pledged that there would be no backing down in a social media post on Instagram. “I will not be threatened, I will not be intimidated, I will not be erased,” Ryan wrote. “It is a breath of fresh air to be competing where I belong. To all the trans folks out there that love this sport as much as I do, I’m here for you, we all deserve better.”

Implications

The case has pushed the Disc Golf Pro Tour into the spotlight and highlights the ongoing debate over transgender participation in sports. The PDGA rules state that a transgender female who meets certain requirements may compete in the women’s division, including maintaining a total testosterone level in serum below 2.0 nmol/L. However, the court found serious questions going to the merits of the intentional discrimination claim, and the case may have implications for future transgender participation in sports.