Associated Press Sports Editors will recognize outstanding journalism about transgender people in sports through a new category in its annual contest, with entries evaluated for reporting excellence, accuracy, fairness, and adherence to established journalistic standards.
The Excellence in Transgender Sports Journalism category will debut in the contest and recognize journalism produced in 2026.
The award is intended to recognize reporting that brings depth, context and humanity to coverage of transgender athletes and the broader transgender community in sports. Eligible work may include breaking news, investigative reporting, features and commentary examining athletes’ experiences, policies governing participation, legal developments and other issues at the intersection of sports and gender identity.
Reporting and ethical standards
Entries will be expected to demonstrate substantive adherence to the professional reporting and language guidance established by three journalism organizations:
- The Associated Press Stylebook
- NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists’ Stylebook
- The Trans Journalists Association’s Stylebook and Coverage Guide
Judges will consider the accuracy and context of reporting, the credibility and relevance of sources, the fair representation of transgender people, and the appropriate use of names, pronouns, and terminology.
Entries should distinguish verified facts from claims, place scientific and statistical evidence in appropriate context, and avoid misinformation, sensationalism, and unsupported generalizations.
The category will reward work that demonstrates rigorous reporting, editorial independence, sound judgment, and respect for the people whose lives are covered. Substantial departures from these standards may affect judging or result in disqualification.
Entry requirements
Organizations may submit up to two entries in the category.
- Divisions A and B: Each entry must contain two stories, with at least one author appearing on both pieces.
- Divisions C and D: Each entry must contain one story.
- An organization’s two entries must represent different authors or reporting teams.
- News stories, features and columns are eligible.
- Work submitted in this category also may be entered in another eligible APSE contest category.
APSE membership
News organizations interested in entering the Excellence in Transgender Sports Journalism category are encouraged to join APSE. Membership is open to newspapers, digital news outlets and independent journalists who publish through platforms such as Substack or their own websites, provided they follow generally accepted journalistic practices and are not operated by sports organizations. News organizations entering the APSE contest for the first time that do not publish a newspaper must apply for membership before submitting entries. Freelance journalists whose work appears in another publication must coordinate their entries with that publication, as organizations are limited to two entries in this category. Annual membership dues for 2027 range from $150 to $375 for the first member, depending on audience size. Membership makes you eligible to enter all APSE contest categories, not just the Excellence in Transgender Sports Journalism category. To join, complete the APSE membership application and submit payment online.
