I've hedged and hawed about addressing the issue but with the World Athletics new policy on transgendered athletes I finally agree with their decision.
For those of you not aware of the ruling, no male to female (MTF) athlete will be allowed to compete as a female if they have gone through male puberty. The requirement of maintaining their testosterone levels below 2.5 nmol/L for 24 months will no longer be recognized.
It's hard to argue anything different - even though I struggle to disenfranchise anyone in the LGBT community. But this is most fair to biological females. Ensures that the playing field is level in sports.
It's difficult to argue that this will be an issue with female to male (FTM) transitioning because, even with testosterone supplementation, these males will have less muscle mass, and an anatomy closer to a female than male. In essence, it's a disadvantage.
The obverse of this is that the MTF has advantages biological females don't is also true. Hasn't experienced changes in her anatomy, retains some of the muscle mass acquired as a male. This is a tremendous advantage. One that simply isn't fair in track and field.
Might isn't right and just because of this change doesn't mean we should take away the opportunity for trans males and females to compete in sports. Many states have a wheelchair division at the high school TF championships, and quite possibly this could be a solution to the issue.
But whether high schools will follow this ruling, I haven't a clue. But I hope so. If sport truly builds character, teaches discipline, rewards persistence - then we need to provide opportunities for everyone, and in every sport.
It's the right thing to do.
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