Noa-Lynn Van Leuven Vows to Continue Fighting After Darts Governing Body Bans Transgender Women

"This isn't just about me" - Noa-Lynn Van Leuven has expressed her determination to keep fighting after the darts governing body introduced rules excluding transgender women from competing in women's tournaments. The 29-year-old, who has won six titles on the women's tour since joining in 2022 and made history by becoming the first transgender woman to play at the World Darts Championship in 2024, voiced her dismay at the decision. Although transgender women can continue to compete in open tournaments, Van Leuven stated that the ruling has effectively forced her into retirement. "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 added. "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 said it began reviewing its policies in 2025, including commissioning a report from an academic developmental biologist and considering extensive legal advice. As a result, the DRA is satisfied that only biological females should be eligible to compete in women's tournaments regulated by DRA Rules. Van Leuven, also known as 'The Duchess', had been making 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. She secured her spot at the 2025 Worlds after producing a record-breaking average to win Women's series 21 against Beau Greaves. Van Leuven 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. Deta Hedman also forfeited her quarter-final match at the PDC Women's Series after being drawn against Van Leuven in protest at her inclusion. 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'. Van Leuven has described some of her female opponents as "toxic" because of their behavior towards her. Former world champion Luke Humphries said she has done nothing wrong and that people should let her get on with playing. 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." Van Leuven added: "I just want to play darts and have fun." In a written message with the video posted on social media, she added: "This isn't the end. I'm just going back to the drawing board. I'm not done fighting."