The Navigation of Non-binary Expression through Sports Kit

Abstract

The binary gendering of sport and physical activity has made it difficult for openly non-binary people to participate due to their identities being outside of conventional gender categories. Structural reinforcements of the gender binary have meant that there are significant restrictions on gender non-conforming expression through the normalisation of gender-specific sports kits and uniforms. However, there has been limited research conducted surrounding what it means to be non-binary in sport and how gender non-conformity can be explored and facilitated within certain athletic spaces. This chapter explores non-binary people’s experiences of wearing and adapting sports clothing, kit, and equipment using an oral history methodological approach. The non-binary participants commented how, in the earlier stages of their lives, sports clothing induced intense occurrences of gender dysphoria. However, when they began coming out and openly expressing their non-binary identity by adjusting and experimenting with sports clothing within specific spaces, they commented how they experienced gender euphoria. These findings show how choice, flexibility, and variation of sports kits will be key for current and future positive interactions of non-binary people with sport. Non-binary people can then express their identity how they choose to, which in turn helps to minimise the experiences of anxiety associated with strict gendered sports kit requirements. Additionally, this chapter highlights how gendered sports clothing stipulations are frequently unnecessary and that flexibility and choice can be easily accommodated. Future research would benefit from using and expanding upon the novel insights presented in this chapter to reinforce arguments surrounding sexism, gender non-conformity, and sports clothing.