The greatest irony of the 21st century is perhaps that the questions that now have the world divided were once no-brainers, and have been for ages. Should men be allowed to participate in women’s sports? The real question boils down to “Are women’s sports for women, or for those who ‘identify as women’?”
The gender-based segregation of sports is underpinned by our scientific knowledge (and common sense) that men have undisputed biological advantages over women. Does a man identifying as a woman or a biological male transitioning into a female present a level playing field for women when they compete against ciswomen in women’s sports? Remember, any statement or argument made against gender “inclusivity” puts you at the risk of being labeled a bigot or a transphobe.
Gender Inclusion in Sports: Navigating Biological Realities and Identity
The chief player in this biological difference is the hormone testosterone. While both men and women produce testosterone in their bodies, the predominance of the hormone vastly differs between the genders. Testosterone accounts for the superiority of men with regard to muscle, strength, and hemoglobin levels that determine stamina. Experts affirm that a person who transitioned after hitting puberty still retains the muscular structure and physical prowess of a born male.
While opponents claim that trans women have their testosterone levels lowered, this is still not nearly enough to make it a fair game. Studies have shown that neither surgical transition nor hormone suppressants undermine the inherent physiological advantage that a male has over a female. As such, the concerns loom that such fights for the inclusivity of the trans community.
Recently, the USA Boxing ruled in favor of transwomen and men identifying as women competing against women. While hormone regulation guidelines stand, they still fall short of assuring women’s safety and fairness in the game. A case in point is when a female fighter broke her skull fighting against a man in Mixed Martial Arts. In 2022, the world witnessed widespread outrage transgender athlete and American swimmer Lia Thomas won the NCAA Division I national championship competing against women.
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The controversies initiated a discussion about whether there should be sex verification in sports. Opponents have lashed back against this calling the measure misogynist and discriminatory. It is a complete travesty of the laws and federal rules put in place to protect women’s sports. Apart from woke activists, it would be hard to see a woman athlete who trained for years towards her dreams and aspirations in any item of sport advocate for these far-leftist demands.
The world has come around to the Adam-and-Eve old matter “What is a woman?” What do you think defines a woman? Chromosomes, hormone levels, presence of female reproductive organs, or a person’s belief that he or she is a woman? Should transwomen be allowed to compete with women? Do their rights to enter the restrooms and lockers of women infringe upon the rights of women who have been women since birth?