Esports league Garena Philippines is currently under fire for limiting the amount of lesbian, gay and transgender women in their female-only League of Legends tournament, saying those players “may probably have some unfair advantage” identifying as LGBTQ.
Garena Philippines asserted that “for any competitions, we seriously look at ensuring there’s a fair level playing field for all participants.
“And there are arguments and concerns from other participants who disputes (sic) that Lesbian, Gay, Transgendered Women members may probably have some unfair advantage.”
According to Garena Philippines, the female-only league was created to create an “inclusive environment where no one feels left out”. However, in a new ruling “each team will be allowed to have a maximum of one (1) Gay/Transgendered woman for the entirety of the tournament day,” the league confirmed. Anyone found in breach will be given a one year ban on all Garena-organised events.
Garena Philippines says it plans to “closely monitor the impact of the changes made and will continue to have an open dialog with all parties involved as we continue to look for ways to keep improving [the female-only tournament].”
The second female-only tournament is set to take place 22 February in Manilla.
Similar rules currently apply to transgendered athletes in physical sporting contests to limit what are deemed as unfair physical advantages. Do you think such rules need to be in place in Esports leagues?
Update: League of Legends‘ Riot Games has made a statement about the matter on Twitter:
LGBT players are welcome at official LoL tourneys. We're working with partners to ensure consistency with our values across all regions.
— Riot Games (@riotgames) February 3, 2015
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