My seven-year-old daughter has recently taken up hockey, but due to the pandemic, my ex-partner and I have yet to see her in action. She practices in small groups while wearing a mask, and parents are not allowed inside the rinks. However, we’ve heard from her coaches that she’s dedicated and a fantastic teammate. Thanks to a friend’s outdoor ice rink, we finally witnessed her play. Watching her shoot, skate backward, and pass the puck was a proud moment for me as a parent. While I may be biased, her confidence on the ice is truly remarkable.
Sports provide her with a sense of belonging and help ease her anxiety. She feels at home on the field, even if she can be a bit clumsy off it. Playing has opened many doors for her, yet some concerned citizens—often conservatives and religious groups—worry that she might be depriving cisgender athletes of opportunities simply because she’s transgender.
Many individuals claim that my daughter possesses an “unfair advantage” in sports due to her gender identity. Despite the absence of evidence showing transgender girls and women dominating NCAA or Olympic sports, there are several proposed laws aimed at barring transgender girls and women from competing in female categories. For instance, Georgia’s House Bill 372 seeks to prohibit transgender girls from participating in school sports, allowing a panel of doctors to inspect participants’ genitals. This is as alarming as it sounds.
In Florida, Representative Greg Steube introduced H.R. 426, the “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2021.” Their argument hinges on the belief that “biological males” should not compete against “biological females,” as they view males as inherently stronger. However, this perspective fails to acknowledge that transgender girls are, in fact, girls and women.
Let’s Dismantle Their Argument
Let’s dismantle their argument regarding hormones. Gender identity differs from biological sex. A transgender female may have characteristics typically associated with males, but that doesn’t inherently give her an advantage in sports. To deny transgender girls the chance to play on teams that affirm their identities is to disregard their true nature. Using hormones as a basis for exclusion is misguided.
If hormones are the concern, then the issue shouldn’t arise until a child reaches puberty. Typically, testosterone levels begin to differ around age 11, meaning mixed-gender competition could be feasible before that point. Skill, practice, and interest play significant roles in an athlete’s success, yet lawmakers seem oblivious to these factors.
The Impact of Puberty
For transgender youth, the prospect of going through puberty of their assigned sex can be daunting. My daughter is not interested in the physical changes that accompany male puberty. Medically affirming care, such as puberty blockers, plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of transgender youth, allowing them to thrive and potentially avoiding surgeries in the future.
Ironically, the same individuals who oppose transgender women competing in women’s sports also seek to restrict transgender youth from receiving necessary medical care. They wish to ban puberty blockers and hormone therapies. The argument that hormone levels must align is met with the response that transgender individuals can achieve that—but not in the way they deem acceptable.
Overlooking Transgender Males
Interestingly, these discussions rarely focus on transgender males, who are often viewed as inferior under the patriarchal system. Their safety in sports is overlooked, which contradicts the claims of needing to protect female athletes.
Even if a transgender woman has gone through male puberty, it’s essential to recognize that not all bodies are the same. Many cisgender women are stronger and more athletic than some cisgender men and women. Hormone levels vary significantly among all individuals, and competition regulations already account for this.
The Bigger Picture
Denying transgender individuals the right to participate in sports transcends concerns about fairness; it reflects deep-rooted transphobia and a desire to erase their existence. As President Biden’s administration has stated, discrimination against transgender individuals will not be tolerated.
Ultimately, no amount of restrictive legislation will erase the fundamental truth that transgender rights are human rights. Denying their humanity contradicts the very essence of what it means to have equal opportunities in sports.
Further Reading
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Search Queries
- Transgender athletes in sports
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Summary
This piece discusses the challenges faced by transgender athletes, particularly young girls, in the context of sports. It emphasizes the importance of affirming their identities and the misconceptions surrounding their participation in athletics. By addressing legislative efforts to restrict their involvement, it highlights the need for understanding and compassion in supporting transgender rights.
Keyphrase: Transgender athletes in sports
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