In October, a report was published from RFSL, the National Association for the Rights of Homosexuals, Bisexuals, Transgender People, Queeras and Intersex People, which shows that transgender people feel excluded from sports.
In the same report, RFSL Swedish sports recommended that children up to the age of 18, especially in grassroots sports, should be allowed to choose which team or group they want to belong to, regardless of which legal gender the person belongs to.
The Swedish Gymnastics Association has jumped on the bandwagon.
Applies to gymnasts between 13 and 18 years
According to a recent federal decision, gymnasts up to and including JSM level are allowed to compete in any competition class they want, regardless of legal gender.
- Those who make these life decisions often face prejudices and challenges already as it is.
If we can make their lives a little, a little ounce easier - and make sure that everyone is welcome - that is the least we can do, says Secretary General Pelle Malmborg, to Dagens Nyheter.
JSM level includes gymnasts between 13 and 18 years of age.
This means that the decision does not only apply to grassroots sports but also to young elite gymnasts.
"Did not see it as a problem"
The decision, which will be announced on Monday, applies at association, regional and national level.
Åsa Ekdahl, medical coordinator and head of investigation for the issue at the Swedish Gymnastics Association, admits that certain injustices may be experienced with the new decision, but does not see it as a problem.
- If it is resilience and strength that is a favor, it could have a certain consequence in some discipline.
If flexibility and mobility are important instead, it could have other consequences.
Sure, you could experience some injustice somewhere, but on the other hand, it could be the other way around.
So we have not seen this as a problem.
Regardless, we must be able to meet the individual and make it feel comfortable, says Ekdahl.