Being transgender in America has become more prevalent in recent years. According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of transgender is, “of relating to, or being a person who identifies with or expresses a gender identity that differs from the one which corresponds to the person’s sex at birth.” Famous former Olympian Bruce Jenner, more recently known as Caitlyn Jenner, has emerged as a popular transgender activist. Issues surrounding transgender athletes’ dates back to 1932 with Babe Didrikson who was known for her masculine appearance. The issue most people have with transgender athletes is the advantage they may have either through the use of hormones or male-to-female athletes who compete against females. I believe that it is probable
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This is turn creates a disadvantage to female athletes. The same holds true for a transgender male who was born female because of the use of hormones such as testosterone which may exceed the normal levels of men. This poses an issue of fairness for all players regardless if they are transgender or not. For example, Keelin Godsey who is a U.S. Hammer Thrower, identifies as male but competes as a female. Some may find this to be unfair because Godsey is displaying a contradiction while using the fact that she is still genetically female to her advantage. Some may argue that athletes should not be allowed to identify as one sex and play sports as another. Keelin Godsey had not begun hormone therapy which made it legitimate to compete as female. Controversial cases like Godsey’s exposes the need for clear standards for transgender athletes. With a larger transgender demographic at the Olympics, the International Olympic Committee created guidelines they deemed fair. The International Olympic Committee’s guidelines states: transition surgery is not required, female-to-male transgender athletes can compete amongst men without restriction, and male-to-female transgender athletes’ must undergo hormone therapy and have a specific testosterone level before they are allowed to compete. Although these guidelines do not provide a solution for every possible scenario involving a transgender athlete, it is a plausible solution to create a world of sports without
This is turn creates a disadvantage to female athletes. The same holds true for a transgender male who was born female because of the use of hormones such as testosterone which may exceed the normal levels of men. This poses an issue of fairness for all players regardless if they are transgender or not. For example, Keelin Godsey who is a U.S. Hammer Thrower, identifies as male but competes as a female. Some may find this to be unfair because Godsey is displaying a contradiction while using the fact that she is still genetically female to her advantage. Some may argue that athletes should not be allowed to identify as one sex and play sports as another. Keelin Godsey had not begun hormone therapy which made it legitimate to compete as female. Controversial cases like Godsey’s exposes the need for clear standards for transgender athletes. With a larger transgender demographic at the Olympics, the International Olympic Committee created guidelines they deemed fair. The International Olympic Committee’s guidelines states: transition surgery is not required, female-to-male transgender athletes can compete amongst men without restriction, and male-to-female transgender athletes’ must undergo hormone therapy and have a specific testosterone level before they are allowed to compete. Although these guidelines do not provide a solution for every possible scenario involving a transgender athlete, it is a plausible solution to create a world of sports without