Van Leuven Vows to Continue Fighting After Transgender Women Are Banned from Women's Darts Events

Noa-Lynn Van Leuven has expressed her determination to keep fighting after the darts governing body implemented 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. Van Leuven has voiced her disappointment at the decision, stating that it not only affects her but also the entire trans community. The Darts Regulation Authority began reviewing its policies in 2025, including consulting with 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. Van Leuven, also known as 'The Duchess,' had been working as a chef before transitioning and pursuing a career in darts. She has 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 has received support from fellow players, including three-time women's world champion Beau Greaves and Fallon Sherrock, but has also faced opposition from some players who have withdrawn from matches against her. The DRA's decision follows a similar ban by the World Darts Federation in 2025 and a blanket ban on transgender women and athletes with differences in sex development from Olympic women's sport, announced by the IOC president last month. Van Leuven has referenced these bans in her statement, emphasizing that the issue extends beyond her own situation and affects the entire trans community. She has vowed to continue fighting, saying 'This isn't the end. I'm just going back to the drawing board. I'm not done fighting.'