The world of darts is poised for a historic moment as Noa-Lynn van Leuven, the first transgender player to compete in a televised PDC tournament against men, is set to make her debut at the Grand Slam of Darts from November 9-17. This groundbreaking appearance follows Van Leuven’s impressive rise in the sport, securing spots in both the Grand Slam and the PDC World Championship after a stellar season.
Van Leuven’s journey has not been without controversy. Her participation in women’s competitions has sparked backlash from some players, with Deta Hedman notably withdrawing from World Darts Federation (WDF) events to avoid facing her. However, the PDC stands firm on its transgender policy, a policy that has been defended by CEO Matt Porter.
“We took legal advice and incorporated elements from policies established by other sports governing bodies, including the IOC,” Porter stated in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports. “Our policy, which we believe to be fair, has been in place for years. We acknowledge that not everyone agrees with it, but we are confident in its fairness. Noa-Lynn and other transgender players have been competing under this policy for a while now.”
Porter acknowledges the growing opposition to Van Leuven’s success, stating that it is a reflection of broader societal trends. “As Noa-Lynn has achieved more success, the opposition to her has become more vocal. It’s something we respect, but ultimately, we have a policy in place and we are comfortable with it.”
Van Leuven has been outspoken about the hostile behavior she has faced. She has accused the WDF of leaving transgender players “cancelled” and claims that a member vote has been taken to prevent their participation in female events. The WDF has not provided official clarification on its stance regarding transgender participation in women’s events, but its Transgender Athlete Policy, published in April, emphasizes its commitment to equal opportunity while referencing “eligibility guidelines” to ensure a fair playing field.
The PDC, on the other hand, is steadfast in its commitment to inclusivity, as reflected in the Darts Regulation Authority’s (DRA) Trans and Gender Diverse Policy. The DRA encourages mixed-gender events, with exceptions for women’s-only tournaments like the PDC Women’s Series and Women’s Matchplay.
Van Leuven’s appearance at the Grand Slam of Darts is a significant moment for both the sport and the broader discussion surrounding transgender athletes. Her participation promises to be a source of both excitement and scrutiny, as the world watches to see how the darts community reacts to this historic event.
As Van Leuven faces former world champions Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson, along with Ryan Joyce, in the round-robin stage of the Grand Slam, the stage is set for a compelling and potentially groundbreaking chapter in the world of darts. Sky Sports will be broadcasting the event live from November 9-17, offering viewers a front-row seat to this historic moment.
