07/04/2026
Florida congressmen target transgender girl competing in Irish dance championship this week in Orlando.
Two Florida Republican members of Congress are pressuring Irish dance officials (CLRG & IDTANA) to bar a transgender girl from competing in girls’ categories at Nationals, carrying the right’s anti-trans sports campaign into the world of competitive dance.
Event organizers and dance officials declined to alter their policies ahead of the event. Responding to pressure, the organizers stated that the North American Irish Dance Championships are "an Irish dance event" rather than a sporting event, and regard Irish dance as an art form. Furthermore, dance groups have previously noted that their commitment to preserving Irish dance relies on an environment that is inclusive and free of discrimination regardless of gender identity.
