Top Chess Federation Bans Transgender “Women”

Only 6 words but there is a LOT to unpack in that headline…

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) (unclear what FIDE stands for) has banned “Transgender Women” from competing in Women’s Chess Events.

I know, I know, I’ll get to the obvious question in just a second, but first let’s just cover the breaking story.

The world's top chess federation has ruled that transgender women cannot compete in its official events for females until an assessment of gender change is made by its officials. https://t.co/2wm3VGEmqE

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) August 17, 2023

BREAKING NEWS: Top international chess federation bars transgender females from competing in women's events https://t.co/QW79k97QfL

— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 17, 2023

From Fox News, here are more details:

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) ruled that transgender women are barred from competing in the organization’s official events for females until an assessment of gender change is made by officials.

FIDE said the organization and its member federations “more often” received recognition requests from players who identify as transgender. The participation of transgender women would depend on an analysis of individual cases that might take up to two years.

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“Change of gender is a change that has a significant impact on a player’s status and future eligibility to tournaments, therefore it can only be made if there is a relevant proof of the change provided,” FIDE said.

“In the event that the gender was changed from a male to a female the player has no right to participate in official FIDE events for women until further FIDE’s decision is made,” the organization said. “Such decision should be based on further analysis and shall be taken by the FIDE Council at the earliest possible time, but not longer than within 2 (two) years period. There are no restrictions to play in the open section for a person who has changed the gender.”

Ok, so now let’s address the elephant in the room and the obvious question I’m sure everyone is thinking right now:

WHY ARE THERE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S DIVISIONS IN….CHESS?

Right?

I wasn’t the only person thinking it, was I?

Chess has no physical component to it and is entirely mental, so does having divisions mean men are….smarter?

It’s Chess… a Game of Using your Mind…

— Gabriel 'Okuriyen!” Beachy (@The_NekoNoid) August 17, 2023

Many people online were asking or joking about it:

So they are saying men are naturally smarter 🤣 I knew it.

— Rudy Anaya (@RudeDogeX) August 17, 2023

But as for a serious answer, I can’t seem to find one.

Other than apparently there IS a division in real life between men and women in Chess.

I can’t seem to find an explanation for it, but I did find this:

The highest rated woman chess player is not even in the top 100 players in the world. She is #123 pic.twitter.com/isZ0knYwki

— Chill Rich Dude (@jakep316) August 17, 2023

And this:

All the best chess players are men. There is 0 women in the top 100 chess players in the world.

The #1 woman is ranked #123 in open rankings.

Men are simply better chess players.

— Chill Rich Dude (@jakep316) August 17, 2023

So it appears to be a real problem, I just can’t figure out WHY exactly….

Does anyone know?

Drop me a comment below, I’d love to hear what could possibly be the reason for women not being equally good at Chess!

Makes no sense!