Qualitative study reveals themes of exclusion, self-advocacy, and empowerment in transgender and gender diverse athletes, highlighting the need for gender-affirming occupational therapy.
Understanding the experiences and meaning of competitive sports for transgender and gender diverse athletes (TGD) can contribute to the development of gender-affirming approaches in occupational therapy and promote access to the health benefits of sports participation. It also further informs occupational disruption, transition, and identity. Using a qualitative descriptive design and criterion sampling, seven TGD participants completed semi-structured interviews describing interrelated processes of gender transition and athletic participation. Themes of mental unwellness and exclusion, cultivating belonging through self-advocacy and seeking inclusive environments, and empowerment in identity emerged. Limitations included restricted transferability due to a diverse sample and changing regulatory landscape.
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Ryan et al. (2026) studied this question.
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