BRITAIN BOXING TRANSGENDER

Fighting for recognition

epa11377190 (05/25)Transgender boxer Danny Baker (C) speaks with protesters as he takes part in the Trans Pride parade in London, Britain, 08 July 2023. (Issued 29 May 2024) Baker, a transgender man, spent much of his young adult life grappling with his gender identity, but now, through his passion for boxing, he has found a sense of community and a safer space in which to flourish. Although the rights and visibility of members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT+) community in the UK have improved in recent years, trans people in particular still face significant obstacles in being able to lead full lives that are free of discrimination. According to professional coach Steve Kipps who coaches him at the Sparta Gym in Chingford, north London. “In amateur and professional boxing, there is no way a trans fighter can box. It’s not allowed in the rules and the governing bodies won’t sanction it,”. But Kipps is optimistic that, given time, trans people will gain acceptance, pointing to how female boxing – which has now exploded in popularity – was considered “a joke” just 20 years ago. “Danny will be a pioneer and I don’t see why in 10 years we can’t have a trans-male boxer,” the coach adds. EPA/NEIL HALL ATTENTION: For the full FOCUS ESSAY text please go to: https://epaimages.com/misc.pp?code=section-focus

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