Roanoke City Councilman Peter Volosin is facing criticism for his response to Roanoke College female swimmers who expressed concerns about competing against a male-born transgender swimmer. Volosin suggested that female athletes should simply “work harder” if they want to beat transgender competitors, a comment that has ignited a heated debate.
Transgender Athlete Joins Women’s Team
The controversy began when 10 Roanoke female swimmers raised objections against a male-born student who had previously swam on the men’s team but was now joining the women’s team following a gender transition.
Female Swimmers Challenge Transgender Inclusion
The swimmers called on both the NCAA and the Virginia state legislature to protect women’s sports.
Council Member’s Controversial Remark
Volosin, a former Brown University swimmer and an openly gay individual, defended transgender athletes, emphasizing the importance of allowing them to compete based on their gender identity.
He argued that preventing them from doing so adds an unnecessary burden and is mentally draining.
Volosin Claims That Women Should Train “Harder”
In an interview, Volosin referred to the objections from female swimmers as “a bit selfish.”
He stated, “In some ways, it’s a bit selfish in saying, ‘Oh, I should beat this person,’ or, ‘I should have gotten first place,’ or, ‘I should do this,’ or whatever. If you should do that, you should be training harder.”
Gaines Fires Back
However, his remarks did not sit well with some, including NCAA All-American swimmer Riley Gaines.
Gaines took to social media to express her frustration, stating, “Peter Volosin is a Roanoke City Council Member who says if women want to beat men, they should just ‘train harder.'”
“The Most Ignorant, Arrogant, and Infuriating Response”
She criticized his suggestion, calling it “ignorant, arrogant, and infuriating,” and accused him of placing the burden of transgender individuals’ mental health on women.
Americans Slam Council Member’s Comments
The Independent Council on Women’s Sports also weighed in on the issue, urging people to “vote out the men who belittle girls’ achievements in sports.”
Roanoke College’s Stance
Roanoke College issued a statement indicating that the male-born student, who had initially considered joining the women’s swim team, had decided against it.
The college criticized the NCAA’s transgender athlete policy as “confusing.”
Trans Athlete Debate Heats Up
The debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports has been intensifying, with female athletes increasingly voicing concerns about fairness versus inclusion.
State Laws Clash
Some states have passed laws barring male-born athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s school sports, while others have different restrictions or none at all.
National Organizations Weigh In
More than 200 individuals, organizations, and civic leaders, including Volosin, responded to the Roanoke female swimmers’ press conference by signing an open letter titled “Hate Has No Place in Roanoke, Virginia.”
Support Pours in for Transgender Students
The letter denounced the presence of national anti-transgender hate groups and expressed support for all transgender students and student-athletes.
Differing Views on Trans Athlete Inclusion
The organizations mentioned in the letter, such as the Independent Women’s Forum, Women’s Liberation Front, and Women’s Declaration International, have opposing views on allowing male-born athletes who identify as female in girls’ and women’s sports.
Some consider them anti-transgender, while others view them as champions of women’s rights in sports.
Praise for Harvard’s Approach
Volosin also praised Harvard University for its handling of transgender swimmer Schuyler Bailar’s participation based on gender identity.
Mr. Bailar graduated in 2019 and was female-born but identifies as a man.
Fair Play vs. Inclusion
The debate surrounding transgender athletes in sports remains a complex and contentious issue, with varying opinions on how to strike a balance between inclusivity and fair competition.
“They Just Kept on Increasing” – Trans Teenagers Are on the Rise, and Now Studies Are Showing the Reasons Behind This ‘Strange’ Development
A study has highlighted the rise of teenagers seeking help with gender identity. “They Just Kept on Increasing” – Trans Teenagers Are on the Rise, and Now Studies Are Showing the Reasons Behind This ‘Strange’ Development
“I Am Pansexual” – Wayne Brady Reveals Pansexuality at 51 and Shares Struggles With Love Addiction
Wayne Brady, the well-known entertainer, candidly opens up about his pansexuality, addressing his struggles with love addiction, societal pressures, and the importance of embracing his true self. “I Am Pansexual” – Wayne Brady Reveals Pansexuality at 51 and Shares Struggles With Love Addiction
“Church Is Open to Everyone BUT There Are Specific Rules” – Pope Took a Stance on Gay Catholics, Reiterating the Church’s Commitment to Inclusivity
In a pivotal statement, Pope Francis recently reiterated the Catholic Church’s commitment to being inclusive of LGBTQ+ individuals, despite certain regulations and restrictions. “Church Is Open to Everyone BUT There Are Specific Rules” – Pope Took a Stance on Gay Catholics, Reiterating the Church’s Commitment to Inclusivity
“Leave Our Kids Alone”: Superintendent’s Heated Opposition to Parental Notification Rule for Transgender Students Results in Removal From School Board Hearing
A school board hearing at Don Lugo High School in Chino, California turned into a highly charged event as over 300 people gathered to discuss a policy requiring teachers to notify parents if their child identifies as transgender. “Leave Our Kids Alone”: Superintendent’s Heated Opposition to Parental Notification Rule for Transgender Students Results in Removal From School Board Hearing
Karma Comes Knocking: Lesbian Daughter Refuses to Help Estranged Parents in Need After They Disowned Her at 18
A young woman sparked outrage on Reddit after she refused to help her parents when they fell on tough times. Was she being mean, or was it just karma? Karma Comes Knocking: Lesbian Daughter Refuses to Help Estranged Parents in Need After They Disowned Her at 18
The post “Women Should Be Training Harder” – Democratic Councilman Ignites Controversy by Urging Women to ‘Step Up’ in the Face of Transgender Athlete Debate first appeared on Mama Say What?!.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Roman Samborskyi. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
