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Sexist and sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) in the French Chess Federation is not as obvious as it might seem, but it does exist. When the association fighting sexual harassment and violence, Colosses aux pieds d'argile, contacted the federation's new leadership in February 2022, it was taken aback: "At first glance, this is not a federation where the body as an instrument of performance lends itself to abuse," explains Simon Latournerie, deputy director of the association, adding: "But in chess there is nonetheless a strong sense of closeness — two opponents separated by just one table, mixed genders, and a face-to-face game where nothing prevents an exchange of glances, verbal destabilization, sexist remarks, or even seduction. In reality, it is also a breeding ground for predators."

Despite the freedom-of-speech movement, it is as if such things "did not exist" in chess.
Over the summer, a number of French female chess players spoke out against sexist and sexual violence following two cases involving underage girls who were abused by their coach. On August 3rd, a group of 14 French players called Nous, joueuses d'échecs (We, Female Chess Players) published an open letter on X (formerly Twitter) condemning the violence they face in their sport.

They called for greater awareness and insisted the issue not be left to gather dust. "It was truly an expression of general frustration. The sense that, despite everything that has happened in society — all the movements to free the voices of victims of sexual and gender-based violence — chess remained immune to all of it. As if it didn't exist," explained player and coach Yosha Iglesias, who wrote the letter together with Mathilde Choisy, former national technical director of the French Chess Federation.

"At the last French championship, we expelled a player for inappropriate, crude, and sexist remarks directed at a female player. The letter on X ultimately didn't surprise us," explains Jean-Baptiste Mullon, vice-president of the federation, "because it is a subject close to our hearts. But we definitely needed to go further. This letter will allow us to raise the issue with clubs and push them to confront it."

A new charter, a network of advisors, and awareness campaigns
In collaboration with Colosse aux pieds d'Argile, which works with more than fifty federations in France, the decision was made to strengthen the existing but outdated charter in a discipline where men hold the majority ("80% men to 20% women," says the vice-president).

The federation has drawn up a new disciplinary code aimed at eradicating this abuse. It clarifies procedures for "preventive suspension" and referral of cases to the relevant authorities. Educators, coaches, and referees will also be required to complete an awareness module on sexist and sexual violence in order to obtain or maintain their qualifications.

Communication campaigns within clubs and French national teams are also planned. The federation likewise plans to create a "network of club referents" and distribute guides for minors, parents, and leaders, developed in partnership with Colosse aux pieds d'argile.

For Jean-Baptiste Mullon, this is excellent news that now places France among the leading chess federations when it comes to prevention — not only against SGBV, but also against racism and homophobia: "Not all European countries necessarily perceive these serious issues in the same way."

In the United States, it took the recent revelation by two-time champion Jennifer Shahade — who was assaulted twice roughly ten years ago by grandmaster Alejandro Ramirez — for American media to take up the case and confirm his actions. His federation has since suspended him.

Humanité / gnews.cz