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A crucial subversion of the misconceptions around the participation of gender diverse athletes—advocating for the inclusion of trans and nonbinary athletes across all levels of sport
The debate over the inclusion of gender diverse people in sport has become the latest battleground in the fight for basic human rights and equality. Trans and nonbinary people around the world are facing physical harm and violence—including death—at unprecedented rates. In Let Us Play, trans athlete Harrison Browne and investigative journalist Rachel Browne reveal how the opposition towards gender diverse athletes is fueled by fear and a moral panic as opposed to facts around what makes “a level playing field.”
Interweaving Harrison’s firsthand experience as a transgender athlete with exclusive accounts—from athletes, coaches, policymakers, and advocates on the front lines—Let Us Play dismantles the illusion that sports have ever been fair, that trans athletes pose a threat to women’s sports, and that gender-affirming healthcare for athletes should be prohibitive to play.
Calling for a reframing of the binaries from youth and high school levels all the way to the national leagues, Browne and Browne offer a new path forward, led by solutions proposed by gender diverse athletes themselves.
“This well-researched, trenchantly argued, and compassionately written book is a must-read for those invested in the fight against transphobia. Deftly combining memoir-style profiles of trans athletes with political analysis, the authors clearly and adeptly dismantle both the patriarchal, transphobic basis of anti-trans policies and our preconceived notions about gender, ability, and sport. A strong argument for dismantling gender segregation in sports.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“This book succeeds in clearly exploring topics that range from the current political climate to hormones, the Olympics, locker room etiquette, and NCAA rules and regulations by forgoing overly technical language. Let Us Play offers a compelling case of a human-rights issue while reminding readers that gender diverse athletes, like cisgender athletes, just want to play freely and be part of a team.”
—Booklist
“Get your head out of your phone and stop doomscrolling. Read Let Us Play instead.”
—Jay Onrait, sports anchor
“For anyone seeking to understand the strengths and challenges of being transgender, being an athlete, and how many people embody both identities. I’m proud to join in and shout, ‘LET US PLAY!’”
—Miles McKenna, author of I Am NOT a Vampire
“More urgent than ever before, Let Us Play is a crucial playbook that athletes and nonathletes alike can use to help make sports an inclusive place for all.”
—Meghan Duggan, 3-time Olympian and Olympic gold medalist, USA Women’s Hockey
“Whether you’re a sports fan, an ally, or someone navigating their own path toward self-acceptance, Let Us Play will shed light on the unique challenges trans athletes face.”
—Chris Mosier, transgender athlete and activist
“This book is a gift. Let’s make sure it gets into the hands of those who need it. . . . The message is a simple one: everyone should have the right to play.”
—Dave Zirin, sports editor, The Nation
“Let Us Play is about more than trans athletes; it’s about gender in sports and the ways in which misogyny, sexism, and rigidity are ruining the joyous experience of athleticism for everyone.”
—Gabe Dunn, coauthor of I Hate Everyone But You
“A generous and necessary resource for navigating some of our most urgent sociopolitical issues.”
—Chase Joynt, author of Vantage Points
“Harrison Browne is not only an incredible athlete but a leading figure in raising awareness and battling transphobia. His story of perseverance and the courage to be oneself will inspire anyone who reads it.”
—Eric Radford, Olympic gold medalist, figure skating
“Finally, a thoughtful deep dive into the intersection of sports and trans experiences! . . . A vital road map for equality in sports and beyond.”
—Amos Mac, coeditor of Original Plumbing: The Best of Ten Years of Trans Male Culture
“An invaluable resource for anyone interested in the future of sports, gender equality, and the ongoing fight for inclusivity.”
—Colin Mochrie, actor and comedian