The topic of transgender players in darts has been widely debated over the past year.
The discussion has coincided with the success of Noa-Lynn van Leuven, a transgender woman who competes on the PDC Women’s Series.
She has captured two Women’s Series titles in 2024 as well as a Challenge Tour title, and heads into the Women’s World Matchplay next month as the number five seed.
Her upturn in form has sparked discussion about the eligibility of transgender women participating in female events.
Deta Hedman – one of the most decorated players of all time – has been a vocal critic but PDC CEO Matt Porter has confirmed the PDC has no plans to change its policy.
PDC Chief says complaints about transgender darts players are from a minority
Despite Hedman’s public protestations, Porter claimed only a small number of players have an issue with the PDC’s transgender policy and confirms there are no plans to change it.
Speaking to Online Darts, Porter said: “We’re entirely comfortable with our policy.
“There’s a hundred women play in the Women’s Series and the number of players who are having a problem with it is small.”
He added: “It’s something we’re very aware of, something we’re talking about on a regular basis with the right people to make sure that the right things are in place but it’s not something we’re planning on making any significant changes on.”
Topic must be handled with care
Irrespective of one’s opinion, players and fans alike must be cognizant of the people at the centre of the discussion.
Last month, Van Leuven told Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant that she was humiliated at a darts event when some players clapped after she lost a match.
It would be naive to believe the discussion around transgender darts players will disappear but both sides must be sensitive of one another.
Now that the PDC’s Chief Executive has clarified the organisation’s position, players and fans can focus on what we all watch the sport for – to be entertained by top quality darts.