Sport is a place of connection, play, and enjoyment. But who gets to participate, and under what conditions? During this intergenerational roundtable discussion, Cavalier Queer and Out For The Win explore sport as both a social space and an alternative space shaped by norms surrounding gender, bodies, and identity.
From the first sports we choose as children to participation in clubs and competitions, sport is never neutral. Expectations from parents, schools, and peers all play a role, as do the structures of federations and organizations that determine who can participate where. What does it mean for trans, intersex, or non-binary people to find their way in a sporting world that is largely organized around a gender binary? How do these experiences change over time?
Together with our guests, we will also examine how broader power structures such as racism and sexism continue to shape sport. Who is seen as “normal,” and who is constantly questioned? At the same time, we will explore how safer spaces emerge and what makes them sustainable and empowering.
Speakers
Noa-Lynn van Leuven (Cusp Gen Z/Millennial – she/her) is a Dutch professional darts player. Known by the nickname “The Duchess,” she has won multiple titles on the PDC Women’s Series and made history in 2024 as the first woman to win a title on the PDC Challenge Tour. She is also the first openly transgender player to compete in a televised PDC tournament and at the PDC World Darts Championship. While Noa-Lynn has made history, she has also faced increasing conservative political pressure on sports legislation in recent years, resulting in her exclusion from tournaments despite meeting all eligibility requirements, including physical criteria.
Alexi De Greef (Millennial – they/she) is a personal trainer, powerlifting coach, and founder of Zacht Beton, an inclusive strength-training studio that was previously based in Ghent and is now located in Hasselt. Alexi is an active competitive powerlifter and has earned several distinctions, including the title of Belgian Masters Powerlifting Champion (2026). In their coaching practice, they combine technical expertise with a strong commitment to accessible and inclusive strength training.
An Verleysen (Millennial – she/her) serves on the board of Intersex Vlaanderen, the advocacy organization for intersex people in Belgium. She shares her personal experiences as an intersex person and works to promote greater visibility, recognition, and rights for intersex individuals in society.