Trans athlete criticizes new soccer rules as 'degrading'

A New Chapter for Lars Fellows

Lars Fellows’ journey has taken an unexpected turn, leading him from the football pitch to the spotlight of a reality dating show. If not for the welcoming embrace of a football club, his life might have taken a different path. This summer, he gained fame through the reality dating show “I Kissed a Boy,” which is now available on Hulu after its run on BBC TV in the U.K. As the first trans contestant on the show, Fellows has captured the hearts of viewers.

On the show, he finds himself drawn to Ruben, who was not his original match. Their relationship is endearing, filled with moments of drama that make their story compelling queer television. The exposure from the show has elevated Fellows into the role of an influencer and social media personality, and he's embracing the opportunities that come his way.

Football as a Lifeline

Football remains a major passion for Fellows, who plays for Village Manchester FC, one of the largest LGBTQ-inclusive clubs in the country. Last year, over 250 people participated in football activities with VMFC.

Fellows credits the club with helping him rediscover his love for the game. In his youth, he played at a high level in the Under-18 girls’ game and even considered a scholarship opportunity in the U.S. However, his transition led him away from soccer until he went to university. There, he played casually with friends, reigniting his desire to return to competitive play.

Village Manchester FC offered him that opportunity, calling it a “gateway without judgment.” Joining the club proved to be life-changing for Fellows, allowing him to reconnect with football and make new friends. He acknowledges that the confidence gained from the club played a significant role in his appearance on television.

Challenges in Trans-Inclusive Sports

A recent policy change by the Football Association (FA) has raised concerns among trans athletes. The FA removed its long-standing inclusion policy and announced a ban on trans women from the women’s category for affiliated competitions. Additionally, the new policy requires trans men to sign a declaration starting with “I am a biological female…”

This development has sparked criticism from trans advocates, including Fellows, who describes the requirement as “humiliating and degrading.” He argues that the policy creates a sense of gatekeeping, making trans individuals feel unwelcome and not part of the sport they love.

Fellows highlights that many trans men live in areas where joining an LGBTQ-inclusive club like Village Manchester FC is not feasible due to travel distances. These players are likely to be most affected by the policy change, and so could Fellows himself, as Village Manchester FC participates in FA-affiliated leagues.

The Impact on Trans Athletes

Fellows expresses frustration with the policy, emphasizing that football should be an outlet for escapism from the challenges of the world. He believes the new requirements reduce trans individuals to just their identity, stripping away their humanity.

The FA has stated its commitment to supporting transgender players who meet the new policy requirements. However, the governing body has not provided details on how many trans male players might be impacted or how many would complete the new form.

Fellows continues to speak out against these changes, sharing his experiences on the Football v Homophobia Podcast. He will also be speaking at FvH’s annual Football Pride event in Leicester, U.K., on August 29. Tickets for the event are now on sale.

Looking Ahead

Fellows' journey reflects the broader challenges faced by trans athletes in sports. His story highlights the importance of inclusive policies and the need for continued advocacy. As he continues to use his platform to raise awareness, he hopes to inspire others to find their place in the world of sports.