Fighting for a Place: Trans Boxers Enter the Ring in Amsterdam-Noord

A Groundbreaking Bout for Inclusion

This December, a boxing ring in Amsterdam-Noord will become an arena for more than just sport. Three trans men are stepping up to compete in a local tournament, a move that directly challenges the often exclusionary rules that keep trans athletes out of mainstream competition. AT5 reports.

For many trans men, participating in combat sports like boxing is often impossible. Strict regulations around testosterone levels, even when medically supervised and within the typical male range, frequently lead to disqualification. This tournament, however, is taking a different stance, creating a much-needed space for inclusion and visibility.

Challenging the 'Bullshit' Rules

Local boxer Jay Muller, a key figure in the initiative who also provides free boxing lessons for the LGBTQ+ community, dismisses the restrictive rules as 'a bit of bullshit.' He cuts through the controversy with straightforward logic: "We are neatly within the permitted hormone box. Just as you produce hormones, I have them in my system through an injection."

His perspective highlights a crucial point in the debate on trans athletic participation: that hormone replacement therapy for trans men aims to align their hormonal levels with those of cisgender men, not to gain an unfair advantage.

The Universal Grind of a Fighter

The physical and mental dedication required is immense, a universal experience for any athlete preparing for a match. One of the fighters described the intense process: "When it goes well, you feel great, almost invincible, like you're in The Matrix," he shared. "But most of the time, it's just hard work and hoping that it will eventually pay off."

Redefining Victory

What makes this event particularly special is its philosophy on winning. According to Muller, the matches are structured as friendly bouts, with no official winner declared at the end. "Both hands go up in the air," he explains.

This approach is rooted in a powerful belief: "The journey to the ring is the biggest battle. When you step through those ropes, you're already a winner." For these athletes, and for the wider trans community, their presence and participation in the ring is the ultimate victory, sending a clear message that they belong in the world of sports.