Noa-Lynn Van Leuven Vows to Continue Fighting After Transgender Women Ban in Women's Darts

"This isn't just about me" - Darts player Noa-Lynn Van Leuven has expressed her determination to keep fighting after the sport's governing body introduced rules prohibiting transgender women from participating in women's tournaments. Van Leuven, who has won six titles on the women's tour since joining in 2022, made history by becoming the first transgender woman to compete at the World Darts Championship in 2024. Although the new rules will allow transgender women to continue competing in open tournaments, Van Leuven expressed her disappointment and frustration with the decision. "Apparently, I just got retired - not by choice, but because I'm no longer allowed to compete," Van Leuven said in a video on her Instagram account. "I've worked so hard for years just to get here. I showed up, I competed. I respected the sport every game, every single day," van Leuven said. "And now, with just one decision, I'm being told I don't belong anymore. This isn't just about me. This is another huge hit for the trans community." The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) began reviewing its policies in 2025 and commissioned a report from an academic developmental biologist. The DRA also considered "extensive legal advice" before making its decision. "As a result of its review, the DRA is satisfied that to achieve fair competition in darts, only biological females should be eligible to compete in women's tournaments regulated by DRA Rules," it said. Van Leuven, also known as 'The Duchess', had been working as a chef de partie at her local restaurant when she decided to open up to her family and friends about transitioning. She made a significant impact on the circuit, becoming the first trans woman to play in a TV tournament at the Women's Matchplay in 2023 and winning a Challenger Tour event in 2024. Van Leuven secured her spot at the 2025 Worlds after producing a record-breaking average to win Women's series 21 against Beau Greaves. She received a largely positive reaction from fellow women's players, including three-time women's world champion Greaves, and Fallon Sherrock. However, some players, including Anca Zijlstra and Aileen de Graaf, pulled out of the national team because they did not want to play alongside Van Leuven. Van Leuven referenced the ban in her statement on social media, saying: "This isn't just about me. This is another huge hit for the trans community, especially after recent decisions made by the IOC [International Olympic Committee]." "Every day it's getting harder and harder for trans people just to exist, to compete. If you think this stops with me, it doesn't. We just want to be." Speaking last year, Michael van Gerwen described the WDF's decision to ban her as 'heartbreaking'. "She does what she does and she can play terrific darts,' the seven-time Premier League champion, said. "Let her play nice. For me, there's never been a discussion but I don't make the rules." Van Leuven has described some of her female opponents as "toxic b******" because of their behavior towards her, and speaking at November's Grand Slam of Darts, former world champion Luke Humphries said she has done nothing wrong. "It's not up to me to say whether it is right or wrong. Whatever opinion I have, it wouldn't matter. I just look at her as a dart player," Humphries said of Van Leuven. "There are so many different opinions that get thrown around. It would be nice if people let her get on with it and play." For Van Leuven, the support of her childhood hero Van Gerwen and Humphries was a huge boost that she appreciated as the media frenzy grew around her. "When I saw the interview with Luke Humphries or MVG I was like, that's actually pretty nice of them. They don't have to do that, but they did and I really appreciate that," she said. "It feels much warmer. It's a good experience." Speaking ahead of the 2026 Worlds, where she was beaten in the opening round by Peter Wright, Van Leuven said: "I just want to play darts and have fun." In a written message with the video posted on social media on Thursday, she added: "This isn't the end. I'm just going back to the drawing board. I'm not done fighting."