The rise in transgender awareness is changing the world. It has made people reconsider traditional policies and habits. From pronouns to restrooms to beauty pageants, these changes result in a more inclusive environment.
However, the topic of transgenders in single-gender sports has recently sparked debate. From high school level sports to international competitions, transgender women have been making news as they dominate their field. Examples of such athletes are sprint cyclist Rachel McKinnon, weightlifter Laurel Hubbard, and runner CeCé Telfer.
This has caused athletes to complain against the inclusion of trans-women in women’s sports. These people are now being labeled as transphobic.
What’s the rule about trans-women athletes?
Trans-women athletes are required to have declared their gender at least four years prior to the event. According to the International Association of Athletics Federation, they must also have a lowered testosterone level of 5 nmol/L for at least a year prior to the event. This means that men cannot “cheat” and declare themselves as transgender just to win a trophy. They must undergo hormonal changes, signifying that they are indeed women.
However, 10 nmol/L of testosterone is arbitrary.
Indeed, testosterone levels of men range from 6.68 to 29.0 nmol/L while levels of women range from 0.101 to 1.67 nmol/L. So even a limit of 10 nmol/L is too high for women’s sports.
Additionally, male development in early life have lasting effects. Men are naturally more athletic with denser muscles and better bones than women. Even with hormone treatment, these traits are still better than the average woman’s.
Men naturally have a larger bone structure, higher bone density, stronger connective tissue and higher muscle density than women. These traits, even with reduced levels of testosterone do not go away. While MTF may be weaker and less muscle than they once were, the biological benefits given them at birth still remain over than of a female.
USA Powerlifting
Conclusion
While it may be viewed as transphobic, transgender women naturally have an unfair advantage over cisgender women and should not be allowed to participate in women’s sports.
Irene 