Transgender & Non-Binary Inclusion

Wrestling Without Borders (WWB) is committed to creating a community and competition space where transgender, non-binary, intersex, and gender-nonconforming athletes are welcomed, respected, celebrated and are given safe and secure facilities to compete in. We recognize that combat sports have often pushed trans people out through policy, microaggressions, and “under-the-radar” harassment. We are building something different on purpose.

Our approach is informed by trans-led work in the martial arts community that centers community safety, belonging, and practical support for people marginalized by gender.

How we think about gender when creating competition brackets:

We offer Men and Women divisions, plus an Open division.
Athletes may self-select the division that aligns best with their identity, without medical requirements, invasive questions, or requests for documentary evidence.
Open is an additional option for anyone who prefers it—not a place that segregates trans or non-binary athletes.

In creating our competition brackets, we consider categories like age, gender identity, weight, and experience level. We aim to ensure each athlete gets three to four matches, some of which may be exhibition matches. Depending on registration, categories may need to be combined, including across gender identity.

WWB organizers strive to ensure fair brackets even in these circumstances, using their best judgment. Whenever possible, provisional groupings by weight, experience, and other attributes (e.g., gender, age, etc.), as applicable, will be released no later than 48 hours before competition. Athletes will have 24 hours to share feedback/concerns about their assigned bracket. Organizers will attempt to address any concerns. In the case that organizers cannot address an athlete’s concerns, the athlete can decline to participate in their assigned bracket.

In addition, we allow time for open mat and Exhibition matches in which athletes can have friendly matches with anyone who agrees to have a match.

Our expectations of behavior for all athletes, spectators, volunteers, staff, and anyone else attending an event organized by WWB:

No harassment, bullying, or deliberate misgendering.
Athletes’ names, pronouns, and gender identity will be respected across registration, competition categories, bathroom/changing room use, and announcements.

Staff will take concerns seriously, including patterns of subtle behavior that create an unsafe or hostile environment.

WWB will solicit formal and informal feedback on the inclusiveness of every competition we support, acting on this feedback when planning future events.

Failure to abide by these expectations can lead to ejection from an event organized by WWB.

If you have questions about categories of competition or want to request accommodations, please contact our secretary at brad@wrestlingwithoutborders.com, and we’ll respond with care and confidentiality.