In the realm of sports, the conversation surrounding the inclusion of transgender women in women’s sports is a nuanced and sensitive one. While overarching themes of inclusivity and equality hold importance, divergent viewpoints emerge, particularly within the community of female athletes. Let’s look at why this is such a complicated discussion from the viewpoints of 10 female athletes.
#1 Competitive Fairness
One of the central concerns is the potential for competitive advantage.
“Preserving the Integrity of Competition”
Former Czech-American professional tennis player, Martina Navratilova said, “I believe that transgender women should not compete against cisgender women in sports. It’s about fairness and preserving the integrity of competition.”
#2 Hormonal and Physiological Differences
Questions arise about the extent to which transgender women’s physiology aligns with cisgender women’s after medical interventions.
“She Still Has the Physiology of a Male”
Erika Brown, a member of Team USA at the Olympic Games said, “We cannot allow transgender females to compete against biological women. A biological male goes through male puberty.
Even when she has transitioned, she still has the physiology of a male. A few years of testosterone blockers and estrogen doesn’t change the fact that she will have more powerful muscles, a larger heart, and greater lung capacity (than) a biological woman.”
#3 Safety When Playing
Concerns arise in contact sports due to potential size and strength differences between transgender women and cisgender women, potentially raising safety issues.
“Size and Strength Differences”
Canadian soccer star, Stephanie Labbé said, “Safety should always be a priority in sports. Size and strength differences can impact the safety of athletes, particularly in contact sports.”
#4 Defining Gender in Sports
Determining the eligibility of transgender athletes based on gender identity rather than biological sex challenges traditional definitions of men’s and women’s sports.
“Hard Work Might Not Be Recognized”
South Korean cyclist champion, Na Hwa-rin says, “It could be like how we have many weight divisions in some sports. Under the current binary system, women athletes will be discouraged, and their hard work might not be recognized due to the participation of transgender athletes.”
#5 Privacy
Women athletes are concerned about sharing locker rooms and restrooms, citing privacy and comfort as significant considerations.
“Forced to Undress in the Presence…Biological Male”
NCAA Division I swimmer, Paula Scanlan, said, “My teammates and I were forced to undress in the presence of Lia Thomas, a 6-foot-4 tall, biological male, with fully intact male genitalia, 18 times per week. Some girls opted to change in bathroom stalls and others used the family bathroom to avoid this.”
#6 Bone Structure
Skeletal differences between cisgender and Trans women might impact factors like bone density, providing advantages.
“Women’s Muscles Are Smaller, so Their Bones Are Weaker”
Dr Paula Vickerton, director of anatomical studies at Queen Mary University of London, says, “If you’ve got a stronger muscle attachment to the bone, the bone gets thicker and stronger in response.
Testosterone drives muscle growth, which in turn drives bone mass. Women’s muscles are smaller, so their bones are weaker, particularly after menopause.”
#7 Preserving Records and Achievements
After Anne Andres, a 40-year-old Trans woman broke records at the Canadian Powerlifting competition, April Hutchinson, a Canadian powerlifter said, “It’s been very disheartening the national record that he broke.”
“Bodies Are Biology, Not Identities”
Athletes have been chasing that for years. And we’re talking we’re talking top athletes who have been training and training and training. It’s completely unfair. It’s bodies that play sports, not identities. Remember, bodies are biology, not identities that play sports.”
#8 Genetics
Genetics provides a huge difference between cisgender and Trans women leading to perceived advantages.
“The Actual Gene Is Still There”
“You can affect that by taking drugs to dampen it down, but the actual gene is still there,” says Professor Paul Lee, a Harley Street specialist in sports, regenerative and orthopedic surgery.
#9 Lung Capacity
As men tend to be taller than women, the volume of their lungs is usually 20 percent bigger.
“They Are Able to Get More Air Into Their Body”
“This tends to give men a slight advantage because they are able to get more air into their body, leading to greater oxygenation via the bloodstream – and therefore more endurance,” says Professor Paul Lee.
#10 Cultural and Societal Perceptions
Public opinions about what is fair and inclusive vary, and differing cultural contexts shape discussions on balancing transgender rights and competitive fairness.
“Respecting the History of Women’s Sports”
Former British cyclist, Victoria Pendleton said, “Society’s attitudes toward fairness and inclusivity are evolving. We need to have open discussions that reflect these changes while respecting the history of women’s sports.”
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The post “Bodies Are Biology, Not Identities” – The Debate Over Inclusion: Why Trans Women Don’t Belong in Women’s Sports first appeared on Mama Say What?!
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