Transgender Professional Athletes

[Medusa]

I have be reticent to post this thread for the last few days but I feel that this is a super interesting and important topic and truly would like to have a discussion about this.
Posting this in the Trans Zone, not because I only want Trans folks to respond (I want *everyone* to feel free to post) but because I feel that this is an issue central to the Trans community (and really, all of our communities).

I read an article recently about Professional MMA fighter Fallon Fox. Fallon is one of the very first Transgender athletes to compete in MMA fighting competitions openly. Naturally, she competes in the female category for MMA fighting.

This has sparked some extreme controversy and some pretty Transphobic comments from folks within the MMA league and even from fans. Many folks feel that since Fallon was born with male parts, she should not qualify to fight against folks born into Female bodies. (and please forgive me if I am being clumsy with language here, trying my best to use the most respectful and correct language).

I'm curious what folks here think. I know this is not just a cut and dry "yes or no" answer and I am still educating myself on this issue but welcome any thoughts.

I believe there was some other controversy a few years back with a Transgender runner competing in the female cross-country marathon and a potentially "unfair" advantage. I'll try to dig up that information so it can be part of this discussion.

As always, please remain respectful!

[Kelt]

I will come back with a more thoughtful post after I look into this, but my first hit; It's deja vu all over again.

I was 15 in 1976 when Renee Richards was denied entry into the US Open, in 1977 she made me think life could be possible when the courts overturned it.

[DapperButch]

For me it is pretty simple.

If the male bodied person (assumingly XY) is on testosterone blockers, they can play/should play women's sports.

If the female bodied person (assumingly XX), is on testosterone, they can/should play men's sports.

It's the T that gives the advantage/takes away the physical advantages.

[DapperButch]

I looked up Fallon Fox (I had never heard of her). Her testicles were removed, so it is not like she could even "pretend" to be on T blockers. She most likely has less testosterone than most cis females now, actually.

[curlyredhead]

Since I am extremely athletic. I am currently training for a half Ironman. I get asked a lot since I have been competing for the last 6 years in Triathlons, Marathons, and Bike rides do you submit a form stating your use of Testosterone? For me personally, no I don't. Considering I am an age grouper, and I really don't see myself placing at large events in my age range. I have a lot of health reasons as to why I have never filled out the paperwork for it.

However there are other trans folks out there that can compete at that level, and I think they should report it, but only if it is required. Last time I looked at some documentation requiring that, the use of testosterone wasn't listed.
That may have just been for that particular race.

I think I might have gone off topic a bit, but I fully support Trans Athletes and think they should be allowed fair competition.

[vagina]

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by curlyredhead

Since I am extremely athletic. I am currently training for a half Ironman. I get asked a lot since I have been competing for the last 6 years in Triathlons, Marathons, and Bike rides do you submit a form stating your use of Testosterone? For me personally, no I don't. Considering I am an age grouper, and I really don't see myself placing at large events in my age range. I have a lot of health reasons as to why I have never filled out the paperwork for it.

However there are other trans folks out there that can compete at that level, and I think they should report it, but only if it is required. Last time I looked at some documentation requiring that, the use of testosterone wasn't listed.
That may have just been for that particular race.

I think I might have gone off topic a bit, but I fully support Trans Athletes and think they should be allowed fair competition.

But, you compete with the men, right?

The issue is when an xx bodied person uses testosterone (therefore having the muscle mass of xy bodied person) and competes against female. The issue is about unfair advantage.

Personally, I see no reason why you personally should have to share your medical status if you are competing in men's racing. It is not like the cis guys have to share their medical information.