Story perspectives

Pinball Tournament Sparks Outrage Over Trans Player Access

1/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

A confrontation over restroom access for trans players at a North Carolina pinball tournament led to fallout.
Tournament director Kevin Stone faced criticism for not canceling after a manager threatened to call police on a trans player.
The International Flipper Pinball Association acknowledged the incident violated its inclusion policy but did not de-sanction the tournament.
The decision sparked outrage, and the IFPA implemented policies to improve safety and inclusion.

1 of 1

Story summary

A confrontation over restroom access for trans players at a North Carolina pinball tournament led to fallout.
Tournament director Kevin Stone faced criticism for not canceling after a manager threatened to call police on a trans player.
The International Flipper Pinball Association acknowledged the incident violated its inclusion policy but did not de-sanction the tournament.
The decision sparked outrage, and the IFPA implemented policies to improve safety and inclusion.