Several sports icons are calling for increased inclusion of trans athletes in college sports. Over 400 past and present athletes across college, professional, and Olympic levels have signed an open letter addressed to the NCAA. The letter was recently given to the NCAA’s Board of Governors, willing the Board to allow trans athletes to participate in the sport that coincides with their gender identity. Some of the most famous athletes to sign include Cheryl Reeve, Brianna Turner, Megan Rapinoe, and Sue Bird.
In 2022, the NCAA revised their policy to allow the governing party of each sport to make decisions regarding trans athletes. The specific decision revolves around their desired levels of testosterone that can be present. Prior to this regression, the NCAA had allowed trans women who had finished a year of testosterone suppression treatment to compete alongside cisgender women. Hopefully, the efforts of these brave athletes will cause sports organization to reevaluate.
The athletes who wrote to the NCAA expressed their distaste, preaching that, “To deny transgender athletes the fundamental right to be who they are, to access the sport they love, and to receive the proven mental and physical health benefits of sport goes against the very principles of the NCAA’s Constitution.” The letter continues to explore the frustrations resulting from recent legislative attacks upon the rights of trans citizens in the U.S. The opposition seems to stem from “certain politicians who seek to control our bodies, not by science or data.”
The age-old argument still exists–that the biological, physical differences between male and female impacts sports performance. Recent reports have debunked this myth. Several studies suggest transgender women have no evidenced advantage over cis women in sport.
In addition to the letter, Athlete Ally, a group advocating for LGBTQ+ equality in sports, also spoke their piece. The letters didn’t stop there; 53 other LGBTQ+ advocacy, gender justice, and sports organizations sent separate letters. In addition, 56 PFLAG chapters and over 300 scholars and academics send in their own. The National Women’s Law Center has now filed a motion in federal court as of May 6, speaking up against the Gaines v. NCAA case. The NWLC stepped in to defend transgender women after the NCAA received backlash for its trans policies and its opposition demanded the NCAA ban all transgender athletes from sports participation and access to locker rooms and bathrooms.
The discrimination and misinterpretation of transgender athletes is frustrating. However, the future remains open and promising. Athletics are fueled by passion and love, and so are the amazing people advocating for trans rights both inside and outside of sports.
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