Non-binary youth experiences in organized team sports in Canada

Research concerning sexual and gender minority inclusion in sport has primarily focused on cisgender heterosexual, gay, lesbian, and bisexual participants. Participation in organized team sport among non-binary youth, particularly in Canada, is understudied. The Understanding Affirming Communities, Relationships and Networks Study surveyed 6495 15-29-year-olds in Canada, including 2513 non-binary (encompassing genderqueer, agender, third gender and trans non-binary) and 1929 cisgender respondents. A smaller proportion of non-binary youth (11%) participate in team sport compared to cisgender youth (18%) (P<0.05). More non-binary youth (62%) have played a sport and then stopped compared to cisgender youth (57%) (P<0.05). The most common reason non-binary youth felt unsafe in sport was discriminatory comments, with >50% witnessing homophobic, transphobic, and/or sexist comments. To ensure the inclusion of non-binary youth in organized team sports, structural and policy changes must be made by organizers, administrators, and coaches.