The Arizona Interscholastic Association Executive Board has approved the state's first ever transgender student-athlete to compete as their self-identified gender.
Last week, the board voted unanimously to allow the student-athlete — whose name, sport, school and sex will remain anonymous for privacy — to play in a sport this winter.
The Arizona Interscholastic Association Executive Board has approved the state's first ever transgender student-athlete to compete as their self-identified gender.
Last week, the board voted unanimously to allow the student-athlete — whose name, sport, school and sex will remain anonymous for privacy — to play in a sport this winter.
RELATED: Proposed HS Transgender Policy Ignites Controversy
According to Chuck Schmidt, associate director of the AIA, the rulings run case by case, as there is no legislation in Arizona on transgender athletes. "We look at the school," he told AZ Central. "Do they support the request? We look at the student. There is a lot of documentation to explore, the gender dysphoria. Are they working with medical professionals? Where are the parents and students themselves? What are their positions? How long have they identified as the opposite sex they were born?
"Based on all of the information, the subcommittee recommended approval, and it was supported by the board."
RELATED: High School Administrators Move Ahead with Policies for Transgender Student-Athletes
This case was the tenth wherein a transgender athlete appealed to the board, but the first to be given the green light.
Thirty two states currently have a policy on high school transgender athletes.
