Behind the Poll
There is no easy answer when it comes to the question of whether or not trans women athletes hold a competitive edge. On one hand, some people argue that trans women have an unfair advantage because they are born with male physiology, which gives them an inherent advantage in athletic competition. On the other hand, others argue that trans women go through significant hormone therapy and other medical treatments to transition, which levels the playing field. Ultimately, there is no clear answer and it is up to each individual to decide what they believe.
In recent years, there has been an increased push for inclusion of trans women in women’s sports. This has led to some controversial decisions, such as when transgender track star, CeCe Telfer, was allowed to compete in the NCAA Women’s Track and Field Championships. Some people argue that trans women have an unfair advantage because they are born with male physiology, which gives them an inherent advantage in athletic competition. They argue that allowing trans women to compete is not only unfair to cisgender women, but also dangerous. In 2016, when transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard was allowed to compete in the New Zealand National Championships, she ended up taking first place, which led to many people questioning the fairness of the competition.
On the other hand, others argue that trans women go through significant hormone therapy and other medical treatments to transition, which levels the playing field. They argue that trans women should be allowed to compete because they are the ones who are most affected by the decisions made about their inclusion. In 2017, the International Olympic Committee released new guidelines stating that trans women athletes could compete in the Olympics as long as their testosterone levels were below a certain threshold. This was seen as a victory by many in the LGBTQ community, as it opened up the opportunity for trans women to compete at the highest level.
Ultimately, there is no clear answer and it is up to each individual to decide what they believe. There are valid arguments on both sides and it is important to consider all of the factors before making a decision. What is clear, however, is that this is a complex issue with no easy answers.
