Hi everyone,

Really sorry to drop bad news to you all on a Friday (or Saturday depending on where in the world you are), but we need your support in stopping a new transphobic policy in its tracks.

England Rugby has proposed that trans women taller than 5’7" (170cm) and who weigh more than 198lb (90kg) should be assessed by a coach to determine if they are a “safety risk” to others.

First of all, gross.

Second, these are completely arbitrary numbers. Many cis players would be deemed “dangerous” according to these guidelines, which makes this proposal anti-trans and discriminatory. To be specific, more than 50% of the current women's Red Roses squad do not fall under the guidelines, but naturally this policy will only be applied to trans women.

Three, what kind of training would coaches undergo to make them “qualified” to make these types of judgment calls?

Four, would this ever be proposed for men’s rugby?

Women do not need your “protection,” especially strong rugby women.

Five, stop policing women’s bodies!

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Join us in speaking out on England Rugby’s anti-trans proposal. They’ve asked for feedback directly on the proposal through April 15.

Unfortunately, their survey is extremely flawed in its design, but there is an open comment box where you can leave long form feedback. Please share your thoughts at this link. 

In addition, If you are a cis woman who is taller than 170 cm (5’7”) or weighs more than 90 kg (198 lb) post a photo of yourself on social media holding a sign that reads: "I am not a “safety risk.” Neither are trans women."

Here is a sample social media caption to use with your photo (feel free to write your own):

"@englandrugby has proposed that trans women taller than 170 cm (5’7”) or who weighs more than 90 kgs (198 lbs) should be assessed by a coach to determine if they are a “safety risk” to others. Only assessing trans women when many cis women fall outside these arbitrary perimeters is anti-trans and discriminatory.

Women’s rugby is for women of all shapes and sizes. Let’s act like it!

Join the campaign to #tackletransphobia and post your own photo! #RugbyForAll @rugbyforall.co"

Let’s keep this momentum up until the close of feedback on April 15, and tell England Rugby that our game is a game for all bodies!

Much love,

Grace McKenzie