As of the end of April, fifteen states have passed laws banning transgender women and girls from participating in sports, teams7[CW1]. Supporters of these bills claim that it is about protecting the sanctity and fairness of women’s sports, and wrongly assert that trans women are infringing on the rights of women, instead of acknowledging that trans women are women and deserve the same rights as cisgender women. However, the mention of women’s rights in regard to this issue is where the argument loses any validity. It is simply dehumanizing and sexist to assume that because a person is AMAB* they must have some sort of athletic advantage over cisgender women. More importantly, transgender students have a right to participate in athletic programs at educational institutions that receive federal funds: a federal civil rights law, Title IX, guarantees that participation. The attempt to villainize transgender women and girls through false claims and punishing legislation is being made by conservative lawmakers in more than a dozen state legislatures and in GOP election campaigns across the country. Their hateful words and actions can have disastrous effects for the safety of trans youth everywhere. [CW2] [MK3]
The hate campaign against trans women and girls participating on school sports teams claim ‘unfairness’, asserting that trans girls and women would create an uneven playing field. Rather than focusing on what this standard of ‘fairness’ might be, primary focus should be placed on the countless factors that can affect an individual’s performance in competitive sports. Socioeconomic disparities, racism, and even genetic and biological factors all play a role in this arena3[MK4] . And yet, there is no mention of these disparities when arguing that trans girls and women shouldn’t participate on teams that align with their gender identity. Sports depend on biological diversity. If it weren’t for these diverse characteristics, then competitive sports wouldn’t exist. It seems like this diversity is only a problem when women athletes, especially women of color and/or trans women are excelling in their respective sports. So how is this debate about ‘fairness’? [MK5]
Although in many states transphobia is directed towards young trans girls competing on K-12 varsity teams, it is important to note that the transphobia and hypocrisy spreads all the way through college and elite athletics. Athletes like Michael Phelps, Lebron James, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal have genuine biological and genetic advantages6[CW6] [MK7] that allow them to excel in their respective sports. Michael Phelps has many genetic advantages. He has a disproportionately long wingspan, a higher lung capacity than most, and most importantly, he produces about half the lactic acid of other athletes6[CW8] , which prevents him from becoming as fatigued as his teammates. Despite this, he is hailed as a legend in swimming, simply unbeatable.[CW9] He weighed in on trans women and girls participating in teams that align with their gender identities, stating, “I can talk from a standpoint of doping. I don’t think I’ve competed in a clean field in my entire career,” the Olympic legend said. “But I think sports should all be played on an even playing field.7[MK10] “ It is concerning that he does not acknowledge his own biological advantages when commenting on this topic, likening trans women participating in women’s sports to cheating with performance enhancing drugs. It is arguments such as this one that perpetuate transphobia for athletes at all levels. [MK11]
The running theme here is based on the assumption that people who are AMAB* will, by nature, be better at sports than cisgender women. This is flatly incorrect and sexist. Trans women have been able to compete in the Olympics since 200410[CW12] , and since then, not a single trans woman has medaled in any event. This assumption even spreads to cisgender women in sports, from Simone Biles to Serena Williams. Both Olympic legends have been constantly harassed, accused of not being women, and of somehow cheating their way to the top. But just like any cisgender or [CW13] transgender athlete, they have simply dedicated years of hard work into the sport that they love. This backlash is laced with racism and misogyny, highlighting the intersectional oppression that Black women face in every aspect of their lives. Furthermore, banning trans women from participating in sports teams that align with their gender identity only fuels transphobic attitudes and harmful legislation that we are fighting so hard to stop.[MK14]
With the rising backlash towards trans competitors in recent times, many trans athletes have commented on the fact that this is a non-issue. High school track stars Terry Miller and Andraya Yearwood have faced adversity in their Connecticut community for participating in the girl’s track team at their school. Interviewers have asked how they would feel if another trans athlete began doing significantly better than them on their track team. In one reported interview, Mille answered matter-of-factly, visibly confused by the question, stating that it “would just push [her] to run faster”, she continued to say that she wouldn’t discourage other trans athletes from participating in teams that align with their gender identity because they are brave for doing so. Yearwood added, “I’d be happy for them, because they get to do what they feel comfortable with. They’re happy. So that in turn should make me happy”.
Lia Thomas, who recently won the 500-yard freestyle National Championship, said it best in an exclusive interview with SwimSwam News in December 2021. As she put it, “Being in a swimsuit 20 hours a week has helped me with accepting my body.” When asked to weigh in, she stated, “The very simple answer is that I’m not a man. I’m a woman, so I belong on the women’s team.”
It really should be as simple as that. We must continue to address the inherent transphobia, misogyny, and racism that affect young trans athletes every day, and demand that transgender individuals be treated fairly in professional sports. [CW15] [MK16]
*Assigned Male at Birth
By Angie Veliz, Digital Media Intern
Sources:
Cole, D., 2022. South Dakota bans trans women and girls from same-gender school sports teams. [online] CNN. Available at: <https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/04/politics/transgender-sports-ban-south-dakota/index.html> [Accessed 7 April 2022].
Glasspiegel, Ryan. “Michael Phelps: NCAA’s Lia Thomas Issue Shows Need for Level Playing Field.” New York Post, New York Post, 20 Jan. 2022, nypost.com/2022/01/17/michael-phelps-ncaas-lia-thomas-controversy-very-complicated/.
Gruber-Miller, S. and Richardson, I., 2022. [online] Desmoinesregister.com. Available at: <https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2022/03/03/trans-transgender-girls-banned-womens-sports-kim-reynolds-lgbtq-iowa-signs-bill/9349887002/> [Accessed 7 April 2022].
Hesse, Monica. “Perspective | We Celebrated Michael Phelps’s Genetic Differences. Why Punish Caster Semenya for Hers?” The Washington Post, WP Company, 3 May 2019, www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/we-celebrated-michael-phelpss-genetic-differences-why-punish-caster-semenya-for-hers/2019/05/02/93d08c8c-6c2b-11e9-be3a-33217240a539_story.html.
Jones, Bethany Alice et al. “Sport and Transgender People: A Systematic Review of the Literature Relating to Sport Participation and Competitive Sport Policies.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 47,4 (2017): 701-716. doi:10.1007/s40279-016-0621-y
Morgan, Piers. “Trans Athletes like Lia Thomas Are Destroying Women’s Sports in Way as Unfair as Doping Cheats – STOP THIS WOKE INSANITY NOW!” New York Post, New York Post, 26 Jan. 2022, nypost.com/2022/01/26/trans-athletes-like-lia-thomas-are-destroying-womens-sports/
Movement Advancement Project. “Equality Maps: Bans on Transgender Youth Participation in Sports.” https://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/_participation_bans. Accessed 04/29/2022.sports
Padgett, Donald. “Michael Phelps Weighs in on Lia Thomas Controversy.” Out, 19 Jan. 2022, www.out.com/sports/2022/1/19/michael-phelps-weighs-in-transgender-swimmer-lia-thomas-u-penn-controversy.
Pinkmantaray. “The Inclusion of Transgender Athletes.” Schuylerbailar – Pinkmantaray, 1 Apr. 2022, pinkmantaray.com/transathlete.
Sykes, Heather. ” Transsexual and Transgender Policies in Sport”. Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal 15.1 (2006): 3-13. < https://doi.org/10.1123/wspaj.15.1.3>. Web. 7 Apr. 2022.
Warren, Ty. “Issue around Trans Athletes ‘Not about Fairness’.” Guard, Register-Guard, 27 Feb. 2022, www.registerguard.com/story/opinion/columns/2022/02/27/guest-opinion-issue-around-trans-athletes-not-about-fairness/64040860007/.
I used to be recommended this website by way of my cousin. I
am not positive whether this submit is written by
way of him as no one else understand such precise about
my difficulty. You’re wonderful! Thank you!
Also visit my web blog check it out
If you are going for most excellent contents like myself, only pay a quick visit profile this web page
every day because it gives quality contents, thanks
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this article and the rest of the website is also really good.
Visit my site – discover more
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I
get three e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from
that service? Many thanks!
my blog – visit this page
For hottest information you have to visit internet and on internet I found this web
page as a most excellent site for newest updates.
Also visit my website – click here
Gambling has always been an exciting topic for both beginners and experienced players.
Whether you’re looking to understand the basics, explore different
strategies, or simply stay informed about the latest trends, having access to
well-researched information is essential. This article provides valuable insights that can help you make more informed decisions and enhance your overall experience.
If you want to learn more about this topic and discover useful
details, we recommend reading this article. check it out covers key aspects
that every gambling enthusiast should be aware of.
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the images on continue reading this blog loading?
I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a
lot about this, like you wrote the book in it
or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a
bit, but other than that, this is excellent blog. A great read.
I will definitely be back.
Feel free to visit my page; published here
WOW just what I was looking for. Came here by searching for check it out
Review my blog … learn more
I read this paragraph fully concerning the difference of most up-to-date
and previous technologies, it’s awesome article.
My webpage – check a blog
My brother recommended I would possibly like this website.
He was entirely right. This publish truly made my day.
You cann’t imagine just how a lot time I had spent for this info!
Thanks!
Feel free to surf to my site check it out
Appreciate this post. Let me try it out.
Feel free to surf to my site :: click here
We stumbled over here coming from a different web page and thought I may as well check things out.
I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to
looking into your web page for a second time.
My site :: learn more
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on explore this.
Regards
My homepage; see details
Hi, of course this post is really pleasant and I have learned lot of
things from it about blogging. thanks.
my page: read more
Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed!
Extremely helpful info specifically the final part 🙂 I handle such information much.
I used to be looking for this particular information for a very lengthy time.
Thanks and good luck.
Feel free to visit my blog post … learn more
I enjoy, lead to I discovered just what I was looking for.
You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day.
Bye
my site :: click now
Helpful information. Lucky me I discovered your site unintentionally, and I’m surprised why this accident didn’t took place in advance!
I bookmarked it.
my blog post – description
These are genuinely impressive ideas in about blogging. You have touched some pleasant
points here. Any way keep up wrinting.
Also visit my web site :: useful content
You could definitely see your expertise in the article you write.
The sector hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not
afraid to mention how they believe. Always follow your heart.
Also visit my web-site – click this site
I needed to thank you for this fantastic
read!! I certainly enjoyed every bit of it. I have got you
book-marked to look at new stuff you post…
My page; original site
Appreciate the recommendation. Will try these out
it out.
You really make it appear so easy with your presentation but
I to find this matter to be actually one thing which I believe I might by no means
understand. It sort of feels too complicated and extremely wide for me.
I am taking a look forward for your subsequent put up, I’ll
attempt to get the grasp of it!
Feel free to visit my web site more information
Heya are using WordPress for your site platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to
get started and create my own. Do you require any coding knowledge to make your own blog?
Any help would be really appreciated!
Look at my webpage … gaming
Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored to death at work so I
decided to check out your blog on my iphone during lunch break.
I love the information you present here and
can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m surprised at how quick
your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G ..
Anyhow, very good blog!
My homepage official website
I am extremely inspired with your writing skills as neatly as
with the layout for your weblog. Is this a paid subject matter or did you customize it
yourself? Anyway keep up the nice high quality writing, it
is rare to look a great blog like this one today..
My web blog … Visit Website
constantly i used to read smaller content which also clear their motive, and that is also happening with this paragraph which I am reading now.
Here is my site – navigate here
I hardly drop comments, but i did a few searching and wound up here
“Debate” about Trans Girls and Women in School Sports Spreads Transphobia and
Bigotry Through the False Lens of “Fairness” – National Organization for Women. And I actually do have a couple of questions for you if you usually do not mind.
Is it only me or does it look like a few of these comments appear as
if they are written by brain dead people? 😛 And, if you are writing on other sites, I would like to
keep up with everything new you have to post. Would you make
a list of every one of your social pages like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?
Also visit my webpage – table games
With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright violation?
My blog has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either
created myself or outsourced but it seems check a blog lot of it is popping it up all over the web
without my authorization. Do you know any solutions to help protect
against content from being ripped off? I’d certainly appreciate it.
Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on.
Any recommendations?
Stop by my site; aquawin casino review
Appreciating the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed
information you present. It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed information. Great read!
I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
my web blog … aquawin casino