Noa-Lynn van Leuven decries darts ban on transgender women
The Darts Regulation Authority announced a policy on Thursday prohibiting biological males from women's competitions. Transgender Dutch player Noa-Lynn van Leuven criticized the rule in an Instagram video, stating it effectively retires her against her will. She described years of hard work and respect for the sport now negated by the decision.
Van Leuven, who competed in the Professional Darts Corporation Women's Series and became the first transgender player in its World Darts Championship women's event in 2024, called the policy a major setback for the transgender community. The DRA's review, initiated in 2025, drew on a report from an academic developmental biologist and legal advice before concluding that only biological females ensure fair competition in women's tournaments.
Van Leuven vowed to continue fighting, saying she plans to revisit strategies for participation in women's events.
The policy applies to all DRA-regulated women's tournaments.
