The LGBT Powerlifting Union has announced there will be a third gender category at its International Championships later this year. The category, Mx, is designed to lay out a welcome mat and create a safe space for transgender, non-binary and intersex competitors who may opt to not compete in the male or female categories.

“We aim to be as inclusive as possible,” said LGBT Powerlifting Union male co-president Chris Morgan.

Participation in the third category is an option, not a mandate, being created by the LGBT Powerlifting Union.

“We have seen a great deal of adverse reaction recently to media reports of transgender athletes competing in strength sports, particularly towards athletes who meet the new IOC Guidance and have qualified for multi sports events like the Commonwealth Games,” said Professor Ardel Thomas, non-binary representative, LGBT Powerlifting Union. “We are aware of new and novice trans, non-binary and intersex lifters are concerned about participating in sports because of lack of understanding and therefore we have decided to offer an optional Mx Category at LGBT IPC 2018”.

The next LGBT International Powerlifting Championships will take place in London on July 28.