Equal opportunities in Irish dance

“Irish Dancers Rally for Trans Inclusivity Amid Backlash”

A group of Irish dancers is rallying in support of transgender competitors in the wake of criticism following a trans teen’s victory in a recent Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America (IDTANA) Southern Region competition.

The community, led by Connecticut-based adult Irish dancer Gabrielle Siegel, initiated a Change.org petition declaring unwavering support for transgender dancers, advocating for their right to compete authentically in alignment with their gender identity.

The petition emphasizes that success in Irish dance is not influenced by assigned birth sex, citing the comprehensive criteria considered in competitions, such as rhythm, turnout, crossover, pointed feet, toe height, flexibility, and posture.

The group condemns bullying and harassment against trans dancers and addresses a counter-petition advocating for separate categories for trans dancers. Siegel, recalling her own experiences as a closeted LGBTQ+ person, launched the petition to counteract the negativity and affirm solidarity within the Irish dance community.

The Regional Director in the competition area, P.J. McCafferty, took to social media to defend the trans teen, emphasizing the sport’s commitment to inclusivity and fairness.

Siegel underscores that arguments about biological advantage lack evidence and do not apply to how Irish dance is judged. The petition seeks to promote unity and respect for all dancers, reinforcing the trans-inclusive stance upheld by CLRG.

_{Repurposed article originally published in LGBTQNation}