Archive · 2 Sep 2025
Yosha Iglesias's Historic Chess Achievements and Journey
Yosha Iglesias, a chess player from France, is the first transgender woman to become a Woman International Master (WIM).
At 16, she trained in Russia, and later became a coach.
Facing financial hurdles, she started her transition in 2020.
With support from the chess community, she raised funds to transition.
Despite facing insults, she continues playing chess.
Her journey includes rigorous training and significant personal investment in her transition.
Yosha Iglesias is the first transgender player to earn the Woman International Master (WIM) title.
She began transitioning in 2020.
Iglesias trained in Russia and also worked as a coach.
Transitioning cost approximately €20,000, including €5,000 for surgery.
Iglesias has faced insults related to her transgender identity.
- Who
- Yosha Iglesias, a French transgender chess player.
- What
- Became the first transgender player to earn the Woman International Master (WIM) title.
- When
- Secured her WIM title in April of the previous year.
- Where
- France and Russia.
- Why
- To compete in chess after transitioning and achieving her goals.
- Title
- Woman International Master
- Age
- 37
- Transition Start
- 2020
- Nationality
- French
- Surgery Cost
- €5,000 (crowdfunded)
- Total Transition Cost
- €20,000
- Achievements
- First transgender WIM
