An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG), the largest governing body for competitive Irish step dancing in the world, has decided to allow dancers to compete in categories that match their chosen gender identity.
The decision comes after a trans-identified male dancer, who previously competed in the male category, in the US qualified to compete in the 2024 world championship, according to the Irish Independent.
the win prompted complaints from parents and discussion within the Irish dancing sphere, with some motions being put forward to keep categories separated by sex.
CLRG chairperson Sandra Connick sent in a memo to members this week that over the last few weeks "there has been considerable internal and external discussion concerning the eligibility of transgender dancers to enter competitions that align with their gender identity."
"As a world-wide organisation welcoming dancers from many different backgrounds, CLRG is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for every dancer in our community," she wrote.
"However, we understand the matter is a divisive subject that generates strong opinions and CLRG has been listening to the views of all teachers, dancers and parents, while also seeking professional legal, reputational and peer organisation advice on the subject."
CLRG members recently took part in a "half-day transgender educational forum," in which research on the athletic performance of transgender people, analysis of results in mixed competitions, and reputational risk issues for the CLRG were considered.
The CLRG considered a legal opinion on Monday from the Bar of Ireland on "legal precedent, case law, and statutory law" and the organization "confirmed that dancers will continue to enter CLRG competitions that align with their gender identity."
During a vote at the meeting, motions seeking to establish a "non-cis" category for dancers who don’t identify with their biological sex and enforce dancers to compete in the category that aligns with their biological sex were defeated by a majority.
"CLRG’s policy has always permitted dancers to compete according to their gender identity in line with its child protection policy, which states that CLRG does not discriminate against any child for any reason," Connick said.
"This policy was most recently clarified in 2021 when a New Zealand teacher sought and received confirmation at a CLRG meeting that dancers could compete at Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne in alignment with the gender they identify as in their daily life."
The organization is now drafting a new inclusivity, equality, and diversity policy to reflect this stance on transgender dancers that will be voted on at its annual meeting in May.
