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Original policy announcement and rationale.
At their quarterly meeting in Louisville,
Kentucky, the US Chess Federation’s Executive Board adopted the following
transgender policy on May 20, 2018, by a unanimous vote of 7-0:
“The Executive Board moves to adopt the following
transgender policy as provided by legal counsel: Allow a person to
identify as they choose, and allow each person one change to their gender
identification. If an individual attempts a second change to gender
identification, at that time the individual must provide US Chess a birth
certificate, and the birth gender indicated on the birth certificate will be
used to determine gender for US Chess purposes. A request to change gender must
be done at least two weeks prior to participating in a US Chess rated event. US
Chess policy is subservient to applicable laws.”
This policy:
·
was developed in consultation with US Chess
corporate counsel;
·
codifies current US Chess practices about
self-identification;
·
recognizes that there is a complicated, evolving
legal landscape in which state and federal laws are often at odds.
The new US Chess policy reflects
a middle ground position that will allow for players to affiliate with US Chess
regardless of gender identification.
As the US Chess mission
statement is: empower people, enrich lives, and enhance communities through
chess, the organization acted to be both inclusive and in alignment with
best practices. Further, one of our core values is customer service, within
which we strive to be responsive, adaptive, and proactive in providing services
to our customers.
Since US Chess records are
sometimes inaccurate in certain data fields because many memberships are
initially taken through affiliates, incomplete or incorrect gender data that is
updated does not count toward an official change relative to this policy.
Our research on other
organizations that have adopted similar policies clearly shows that instances
of individuals who will abuse or ‘game the system’ are exceedingly rare. But
most importantly, this new policy speaks to another of US Chess’ core values,
accessibility: Chess can and should be enjoyed by individuals regardless of
social or economic status or physical or developmental capability.
FAQs
Why did US Chess adopt a transgender policy?
Like all communities, US Chess attracts a wide range of
people who represent the broader population. US Chess has individual members
who identify as transgender and has had such members for some time. Recent
changes to various state laws, changing attitudes and social norms, and
inquiries from our community all led to the Executive Board’s adoption of the
policy.
What is the intent of the US Chess transgender policy?
US Chess is committed to providing opportunities for
everyone to play chess regardless of their race, ethnic or national origin,
gender, religion, and sexual orientation. US Chess will recognize an
individual’s gender identity that is consistent with the identity they maintain
in their non-chess life (e.g. family, social, professional). Changing a gender
simply to compete in a special section or single gender event is against the
intent and spirit of this policy. “Gaming the system” will not be tolerated and
the member could be subject to US Chess ethics sanctions.
Can I show up at an event and request a change in gender
on my US Chess membership record?
Given the sensitive and personal nature of these requests,
US Chess requires individuals who seek a gender change in their US Chess
membership record to call the office’s membership department at 931.787.1234,
ext. 4 to make that change in advance of an event. If it is the first
change, your request will be honored by phone. If a subsequent change is
requested, a conforming birth certificate will be required.
What will be the effect on
women’s sections or women’s tournaments?
US Chess will continue to support and encourage women’s only
sections and tournaments.
What does this mean for the US Chess Mission?
US Chess will continue to empower people through chess one
move at a time. This policy is firmly rooted within our mission.
Original Policy Adopted: May 25, 2018
Revised Policy Adopted: March 5, 2019
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