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

"This isn't just about me" - Professional 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. The 29-year-old, 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 transgender women will still be allowed to compete in open tournaments, Van Leuven has voiced her disappointment with the decision. In a video posted on her Instagram account, she stated, "Apparently, I just got retired - not by choice, but because I'm no longer allowed to compete. 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. 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 began reviewing its policies in 2025, which included commissioning a report from an academic 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 regulated by DRA Rules. 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 and winning a Challenger Tour event in 2024. She has received support from fellow women's players, including three-time women's world champion Beau Greaves and Fallon Sherrock. However, some players, including Anca Zijlstra and Aileen de Graaf, have pulled out of the national team because they did not want to play alongside Van Leuven. The DRA's decision comes after the International Olympic Committee announced a blanket ban on transgender women and athletes with differences in sex development from Olympic women's sport, effective from 2028. Van Leuven has referenced this ban in her statement, saying, "This isn't just about me. This is another huge hit for the trans community, especially after recent decisions made by the IOC. 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." Seven-time Premier League champion Michael van Gerwen has described the decision to ban Van Leuven as 'heartbreaking', stating, "She does what she does and she can play terrific darts. Let her play nice." Former world champion Luke Humphries has also shown support for Van Leuven, saying, "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." Van Leuven has appreciated the support from her childhood hero Van Gerwen and Humphries, saying, "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. It feels much warmer. It's a good experience." In a written message posted on social media, Van Leuven added, "This isn't the end. I'm just going back to the drawing board. I'm not done fighting."