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

"This isn't just about me" - Noa-Lynn Van Leuven has pledged to keep fighting after the darts governing body introduced rules banning 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, expressed her disappointment at the decision. Although transgender women can still participate in open tournaments, Van Leuven stated that she is being forced into retirement. "I've worked so hard for years, only to be told I no longer belong," she said. The Darts Regulation Authority claims it began reviewing its policies in 2025, including commissioning a report from a developmental biologist and considering "extensive legal advice." As a result, the DRA has decided that only biological females should be eligible to compete in women's tournaments. Van Leuven, also known as 'The Duchess,' has been a trailblazer in the sport, becoming the first trans woman to play in a TV tournament at the Women's Matchplay in 2023. She has received support from fellow players, including Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries, but has also faced opposition from some athletes. Van Leuven has vowed to continue fighting, stating that "this isn't the end" and she is "not done fighting."