“The spectators ask, is it a boy or a girl? What is it?”: Cultural cisgenderism and trans men’s sporting experiences in Iran

Afroozeh, M. S., Phipps, C., Mehri, A. and Asiri, Z. A. (2023) “The spectators ask, is it a boy or a girl? What is it?”: Cultural cisgenderism and trans men’s sporting experiences in Iran. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 58 (8). pp. 1221-1240. ISSN 1012-6902

[thumbnail of Afroozeh, M. S., Phipps C. et al. “The spectators ask, is it a boy or a girl? What is it?”: Cultural cisgenderism and trans men’s sporting experiences in Int. Rev. for the Sociology of Sport. pp. 1221-1240 58 (8). Reprinted by permission of SAGE.]
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Abstract

In this article, we draw on cultural cisgenderism to analyse the sporting experiences of trans men in Iran. Utilising semi-structured interviews with twelve trans men in different stages of transition, we consider their experiences of women’s sport environments, the extent to which cisnormativity is embedded into the culture, and whether their gender identities are accepted. We found that essentialist understandings of sex and gender are evident in sport environments, with gender presentation policed by others, and expectations this should align with ascribed biological sex. While some interviewees’ masculine expressions were valued, others were considered ‘too masculine’ to be eligible to participate in women’s sport spaces; this led to restrictions around appearance and clothing, alongside instances of compulsory hormone testing. Finally, for those who were ‘out’ about their gender identity, this often led to hostility from others, including coaches, teammates, and spectators. Overall, this paper provides a critical understanding of trans inclusion in sport spaces in Iran. However, the findings may be useful for anyone working to make sport more accessible, regardless of geographical location.

Publication Type: Articles
Additional Information: © The Author(s) 2023
Uncontrolled Keywords: gender, transgender, cultural cisgenderism, masculinities, Iran
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV557 Sports
H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Women > HQ1088 Men
H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Women > HQ12 Sexual life > HQ19 Sexual behaviour and attitudes. Sexuality
Divisions: Academic Areas > Business School
Research Entities > Centre for Health and Allied Sport and Exercise Science Research (CHASER)
Depositing User: Karen Smith
Date Deposited: 12 Oct 2024 09:49
Last Modified: 20 Nov 2024 12:17
URI: https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/7787

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