Sport and physical activity participation among young transgender adults: The facilitators and barriers

Transgender people, in comparison to cisgender people, have been found to engage in low levels of sport and physical activity. This is concerning given the physical and mental health benefits that physical activity has been... [ view full abstract ]

Transgender people, in comparison to cisgender people, have been found to engage in low levels of sport and physical activity. This is concerning given the physical and mental health benefits that physical activity has been found to have within the cisgender population.

This study aimed to explore the experiences that young transgender adults have when engaging in physical activity and sport. It also aimed to determine the role of cross-sex hormones and gender confirming surgery in physical... [ view full abstract ]

This study aimed to explore the experiences that young transgender adults have when engaging in physical activity and sport. It also aimed to determine the role of cross-sex hormones and gender confirming surgery in physical activity and sport engagement.

A qualitative methodology was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 young transgender adults (mean age 23 years, range 18-36) who were attending a national clinic for transgender health in the United... [ view full abstract ]

A qualitative methodology was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 young transgender adults (mean age 23 years, range 18-36) who were attending a national clinic for transgender health in the United Kingdom, and had been accepted onto the treatment programme.

Physical activity and sport engagement. [ view full abstract ]

Physical activity and sport engagement.

Two main themes were identified: (1) barriers to physical activity and sport; and, (2) facilitators of physical activity and sport. Young transgender adults experienced a range of internal (e.g., body dissatisfaction,... [ view full abstract ]

Two main themes were identified: (1) barriers to physical activity and sport; and, (2) facilitators of physical activity and sport. Young transgender adults experienced a range of internal (e.g., body dissatisfaction, perceived lack of gender congruence) and external barriers (e.g., changing facilities, sport-related clothing, team sport). Despite this, they were motivated to engage in physical activity and sport to increase their body satisfaction and gender congruence. However, the lack of safe and comfortable environments (e.g., gyms, leisure centres) to engage in their desired amount of physical activity and sport was felt to be an important barrier.

Young transgender adults experience a range of different barriers when engaging (or attempting to engage) in physical activity and sport. However, there are several facilitators to their participation (e.g., body... [ view full abstract ]

Young transgender adults experience a range of different barriers when engaging (or attempting to engage) in physical activity and sport. However, there are several facilitators to their participation (e.g., body satisfaction). Awareness and acceptability of transgender people needs to be increased in sport (e.g., public campaigns, education, sport policies). Additionally, leisure centres and sport organisations need to consider ways in which they can make their spaces more accessible and comfortable for transgender people (e.g., gender neutral changing facilities).