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A groundbreaking moment in sports history has arrived as Fenix FC, a football team composed entirely of transgender men, has made its debut in a regional league in Spain. This pioneering squad has overcome numerous administrative hurdles and societal prejudice to become the first all-trans team to achieve federated status in Europe.
The Birth of Fenix FC
Named after the mythical bird symbolizing rebirth, Fenix FC began its journey by playing friendly matches and seven-a-side games last season. Now, they compete in the fifth tier of Catalonia’s regional league after being integrated into a local club based in Sant Feliu de Llobregat, a suburb of Barcelona. The establishment of this team took three years, driven by a desire for a safe and supportive environment for trans men who wish to play football.
Hugo Martinez, the team’s founder, shared his personal struggles with discrimination during his transition. He faced abuse while playing on a women’s soccer team before he was able to change his legal gender identity. “I was a boy playing in the girls’ team, but without a changed ID, so I wasn’t yet allowed to play with boys,” he recounted. This experience motivated him to create a space where transgender individuals could play football without fear of harassment.
A Safe Space for Players
The team’s captain, Luke Ibanez, expressed his initial hesitation about joining a mixed-gender team due to fears of not fitting in or facing violence. However, upon learning about Martinez’s vision for an all-trans team, he eagerly joined. “Fenix is a team of trans boys created entirely by trans boys, but I think it’s more than that—a family, a safe space where you can be free and express yourself however you want,” Ibanez stated.
Despite the significant progress represented by Fenix FC’s formation, challenges remain. Spain recently passed a trans rights bill aimed at simplifying the process for individuals to change their legal gender identity. Nevertheless, intolerance persists; reports indicate that there were 302 cases of discrimination or violence against LGBT individuals in Catalonia in 2023 alone, with 25% targeting transgender people.
First Match and Future Aspirations
Fenix FC kicked off their season on September 21 with an overwhelming loss of 19-0 against their opponents. However, for players and supporters alike, the significance of having the right to participate in sports on equal terms far outweighs the scoreline. The team’s existence symbolizes hope and resilience within the community.
The Catalan Football Association has stated that its men’s leagues have been inclusive for the past two seasons, allowing players of any gender to participate regardless of their official identity. This policy is crucial for fostering an environment where teams like Fenix FC can thrive.
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