Storying the Gender Binary in Sport: Narrative Motifs Among Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming Athletes

Abstract

This study utilized a two-tiered, thematic and structural narrative analysis to understand the ways transgender, gender non-conforming (TGNC) athletes story their experiences of sport. All participants (N = 20) self-identified as TGNC and as athletes. A thematic narrative analysis of semi-structured interviews revealed several convergent narratives (i.e., gender sanctioning, binary gender survival, gender transition and disclosure, and gender affirming) within TGNC athlete stories. A secondary structural analysis of evaluation statements in each story offered insight into what master narratives within sport are (re)producing binary gender structures and as a result excluding non-binary athletes from participation and inclusion. The structural analysis also uncovered counter narratives within TGNC athlete stories that challenged the binarized structures of sport. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed in relation to how master narratives might be altered to foster gender inclusion beyond the binary.