Buncrana woman hits out at new LGFA transgender ruling

A member of a Donegal GAA club has hit out at the LGFA over its ruling to allow transgender girls to play Gaelic games.

Under the new policy, transgender girls aged between 12 and 15 will be able to play if they are approved by a new Transgender Application Committee.

Child players must submit confirmation from a suitably qualified medical practitioner that they have or are transitioning from male to female and intend to “live their life as a female”.

Players aged 16 and over must also submit a confirmation from a medical practitioner or a Gender Recognition Certificate.

They must also provide medical records showing their testosterone levels in the previous 12 months were less or equal to 10 nanomoles per litre (nmlol/L).

The LGFA said the decision to adopt the new policy was taken following a “lengthy and detailed consultation process, which took into consideration worldwide international practice and legal advice”.

The LGFA said it will review the policy at least every three years.

"It is expected that unacceptable risks will likely only arise in the most exceptional circumstances and will not arise solely from the mere participation of a Trans-woman’s participation,” the LGFA stated.

However, Buncrana GAA club member Danielle Loughrey has disputed the claims by the LGFA that a “lengthy and detailed consultation process” took place with clubs and players.

Speaking in a personal capacity, Danielle said there the new policy has been imposed upon the game by the LGFA.

“The decision by the LGFA came out of nowhere,” she said. “As far as I was aware no policy had been agreed by the LGFA or even Sport Ireland, then all of a sudden the policy has been agreed and that's that.

“There was absolutely no consultation process from what I can see was carried out with county boards, clubs and players.

“If there had been then the LGFA would have known about the level of unease felt by everyone on this issue.”

The Inishowen woman said that there is a “growing consensus” amongst players and clubs long-term damage could be inflicted on the women's game because of the ruling.

“It's hard enough for most girls to play against county players, who are the elite in the game but when they could be faced with having to play against transgender women who, despite all of the hormone suppression treatment, would still be physically bigger and stronger. So there is that safety concern there as well which the LGFA should have taken in consideration.

“Some parents have also raised concerns about the changing room situation. Some (parents) just don’t feel comfortable with it.

“You could end up in the situation where most girls could just walk away from the game entirely.”

Danielle did however encourage transgender people to become involved in the GAA in other capacities.

“The GAA is an inclusive organisation,” she said. “We have come on leaps and bounds and I would encourage transgender people to become involved in the GAA at all other levels.”