@ISIDEWITHQuestionsSocial IssuesStarted 5yrs agoActive 2mos ago

Should transgender athletes be allowed to compete against athletes that differ from their assigned sex at birth?

In 2016 the International Olympic committee ruled that transgender athletes can compete in the Olympics without undergoing sex reassignment surgery. In 2018 the International Association of Athletics Federations, track’s governing body, ruled that women who have more than 5 nano-mols per liter of testosterone in their blood—like South African sprinter and Olympic gold medalist Caster Semenya—must either compete against men, or take medication to reduce their natural testosterone levels. The IAAF stated that women in the five-plus category have a “difference of sexual…  

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63%
Yes
37%
No
43%
Yes
27%
No
21%
Yes, but only if their hormone levels are equivalent to those in the gender category in which they compete
9%
No, athletes should compete based on the biological sex that is listed on their birth certificate

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Other Popular Answers

Unique answers from Ireland users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.

 @9NL6MRWanswered…2mos2MO

This must be considered on a case by case basis, depending on the sport, hormone levels of the transgender athlete and any other factors that may be give an unfair advantage.

 @9NGMH8Hanswered…2mos2MO

Female to male transitioners should be allowed to compete, as they will not have experienced any long-lasting (potentially advantageous) changes prior to hormonal interventions. While male to female transitioners could be assessed on a case-by-case basis, it seems easier to not allow them to compete, as they cannot undo some advantageous changes (e.g. bone and muscle development).

 @9N8KLR7answered…2mos2MO

depends on the sport (highly physical vs test more of skill/coordination), and also on when the transition began. if puberty blockers were administered and the individual then transitioned, then sure. if the transition took place after passing through puberty, then no, trans women shouldn't compete against biological women. this is a complicated and nuanced topic. it's hard to communicate one's feelings on the subject in this manner.

 @9N27NHHanswered…2mos2MO

I think there should be another section where transgenders can compete against each other if they want to. I think every person, transgender or not should be in separate competing teams in accordance with their strength/build/height, etc

 @9MMNLHYanswered…2mos2MO

I think this is a very difficult question. I fully support trans rights and would love to hear more information on the options to approach this in sports.

 @9MD6R85answered…3mos3MO

No if they have gone through puberty before they transitioned. Trans athletes should compete against other trans athletes

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 @ISIDEWITH submitted…4mos4MO

World Netball Implements Ban on Transgender Players in International Competitions

In a move that has sparked widespread discussion, World Netball has officially banned transgender players from participating in women's international competitions. This decision, announced on Monday, comes as part of a new participation and inclusion policy that aims to address the complex issue of gender identity in sports. The policy, effective immediately, has been met with both support and criticism from various quarters of the sports and LGBTQ+ communities.The ban applies strictly to international competitions, leaving national governing bodies with the autonomy to adapt, modify, or completely disregard these guidelines for their domestic competitions. This flexibility allows for a diverse approach to the inclusion of transgender athletes at the national level, reflecting the varying legal and social landscapes across different countries.World Netball's decision follows a trend of sports organizations grappling with the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports. The debate centers around finding a balance between inclusivity and fairness, particularly in terms of physiological advantages. Proponents of the ban argue that it is necessary to ensure a level playing field in women's sports, while opponents view it as discriminatory and a setback for transgender rights.The policy has ignited a broader conversation about the role of sports governing bodies in addressing gender identity and inclusivity. As the world becomes more aware of and sensitive to gender diversity, the challenge for sports organizations is to create policies that respect the rights of all athletes while maintaining the integrity of competitive sports.As the discussion unfolds, World Netball's policy may serve as a precedent for other international sports organizations facing similar dilemmas. The evolving nature of this issue suggests that the conversation around transgender athletes in sports is far from over, with potential implications for how gender and inclusivity are navigated in the sporting world moving forward.

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