Trans Inclusion in Sport: On Gender Policing, Resistance, and Joy

Trans Inclusion in Sport: On Gender Policing, Resistance, and Joy

There is a long and problematic history of gender policing in sport through official policy and through practice. This is true in elite sport as well as in recreational sport, and all levels in between. In this talk, we will discuss this history as well as current provincial policy (i.e., Bill 29), with a particular focus on the impacts on trans and gender diverse folks but also cisgender girls and women. Of course, where discriminatory restrictions exist, so do examples of resiliency, resistance, and joy; accordingly, we will share insights from research and our own experiences. Everyone belongs in sport.

All are welcome to attend. ASL interpreter will be present. 

Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Kule Theatre (9-323) | MacEwan University

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Speaker Bios

Eva Bošnjak (they/them) is an equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) practitioner working to challenge, deconstruct, and reimagine systems and structures. They strive to create more equitable workplaces and sport environments. Their work includes providing education and developing policies for national and provincial sport organizations to support the inclusion of trans and non-binary participants. Currently, they are part of a research team exploring the impacts of Alberta’s Bill 29. Eva is also a transmasculine, non-binary person and has been involved in sport throughout their entire life as an athlete, and through education and research. They hold a master’s degree in Sociocultural Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity from the University of Calgary.

William Bridel (he/him) is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. Broadly, his teaching and research focus on sociological aspects of sport, physical activity, and the body. Current research projects include a sociohistorical exploration of 2SLGBTQIA+ sport participation as well as critical interrogations of EDIA and safe sport policy. He is the recipient of the University of Calgary 2021 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Faculty Award as well as multiple teaching-related awards. He has been involved in sport in different roles for most of his life, including research and advocacy work, and recently celebrated 25-years teaching in the fitness industry.

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Queer Horizons: A Speaker Series Exploring 2SLGBTQ+ Research and Community Work 

The Queer Horizons speaker series, presented by the MacEwan Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity, profiles research and community work focused on 2SLGBTQ+ identities, issues, and topics. All events are free and open to everyone on campus and in the community. 

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This event is part of Pride Week 2025, where MacEwan University recognizes and celebrates the diversity of our 2SLGBTQ+ students, faculty, staff, and allies.

MacEwan’s Pride Week 2025 is brought to you by the YEG Campus Pride Network (MacEwan University, University of Alberta, Concordia University of Edmonton, NAIT, NorQuest College, and The King's University). 

Pride Week 2025
MacEwan.ca/PrideWeek

Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity
MacEwan.ca/CSGD