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Media’s take on transgender sports

Unfortunately, this issue has been confined to sports that have niche spectators. Rarely is it a topic for mainstream news/ sports coverage. If it does ever become an issue in a sport that is more popular amongst a wider audience such as the WNBA or women’s soccer and possibly women’s gymnastics/tennis, then socially we will forced to decide on how we feel about this issue to a greater magnitude.  The current dynamic of sports is a lucrative product that a lot of people are invested. Having money on the line and the way this issue will affect viewership will bring more people onboard to finding a solution. Similarly this happened in the NFL when the player’s began to kneel during the anthem. It brought more people to the table to discuss that issue. I think a similar reaction will happen once it affects viewership and in turn pocket books. Another way it could affect people in a monetary manner is in the way of scholarships for college. Colleges must spend equal proportion of money between male and female sports departments. At this point I have not found any news stories investigating this. However I could see young female athletes taking issue with losing out scholarships if more transgender people are being awarded scholarships because they have an inherit advantage in the sports world.  As Hawkes continues to point out  sexuality and its discussions are based somewhat in part on economics of the time. 

Below I have linked to a few clips on social commentary on the idea of transgender integration into sports. For the most part these media depictions present the idea in a humorous light with an undertone of ridiculousness. They each bring up different criticisms of allowing transgender people into women's sports. 

Where is the issue headed? What are some possible solutions? One solution would be to eliminate gendered sports altogether. However, I don’t believe this is a realistic solution. Another would be to create a separate league for transgender individuals. I don’t see this idea as being viable either as it would be difficult to support financially, meaning the potential for making a career out of sport would be disincentivized. Coming to terms with our two gendered system may continue to be delayed for the time being, but eventually people will need answers.   

Hawkes, Gail. A Sociology of Sex and Sexuality. Open Univ. Press, 2009.

Netflix. “Dave Chappelle Women Equality.” You Tube,Humberto Bravo, Publisher, Aug 27, 2019, https://youtu.be/-EkCR5AzA5s.

Groening, Matt. “Ever been beat up by a guy dressed like a chick?" Futurama exposes trans nonsense.” You Tube, Literal Violence,Sep 21, 2017, https://youtu.be/z3fFUTSvc4Q.

Comedy Central. “Go Strong Woman, Go - SOUTH PARK.” You Tube, South Park Studios,Nov 15, 2019, https://youtu.be/URz-RYEOaig.

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Transgender women integration into sports

The controversy surrounding the integration of transgender women into sports is one of the many complicated issues that people of the transgender community have faced. While there have been great strides to incorporate transgender women into the sports they love and want to participate in, certain issues have been raised by fellow competitors. Do transgender women have a competitive advantage? Could there be safety issues with this integration? Is the incorporation hurting women’s sports (popularity, viewing, attendance)? These questions continue to challenge heterosexual orthodoxy Hawkes describes. The two gender binary system of our society struggles to account for others outside this context. To make people conform or the sports bylaws change to be inclusive  will be an adjustment to all involved.

In a 2013 ESPN article, Miesha Tate women’s combat sports professional said she will not fight transgender women citing safety concerns (ESPN 3/18/2013). Former cycling champion, Victoria Hood said, “It is not complicated. The science is there and it says that it is unfair. The male body, which has been through male puberty still retains its advantage; that doesn’t go away. I have sympathy with them. They have the right to do sport but not a right to go into any category they want” (New York Post 10/21/19). In rebuttal transgender cyclist Rachel McKinnon says, “By preventing trans women from competing or requiring them to take medication, you’re denying their human rights (New York Post 10/21/19.

Each sports league is trying to work out a way to deal with this issue so that competition is fair, but still inclusive. One option the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federation) has explored is to test the testosterone levels of the athletes and have some cut off number that allows people to compete in the women’s sports. This is causing some headaches as some women have naturally higher testosterone levels even if they are not transgender. Science seems to not offer a perfect solution.

The culture of sports is one of competitive fairness and balance. Sports are socially a way for people to be entertained and feel represented by their peers athletically (i.e. Olympics). If we want to include transgender people in these competitions there will be an adjustment period. It is important to include the transgender community as it moves away from the heterosexual system we are used to.

In the next post we will explore where this topic continues to gain traction in mainstream society.

Okamoto, Brett. “Miesha Tate Won't Fight Fallon Fox.” ESPN, ESPN Internet Ventures, 19 Mar. 2013, www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/9068359/ufc-bantamweight-miesha-tate-says-fight-transgender-athlete.

Romo, Vanessa. “IAAF Sets New Limits On Testosterone Levels In Women.” NPR, NPR, 26 Apr. 2018, www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/04/26/606039409/iaaf-sets-new-limits-on-testosterone-levels-in-women.

Walker, Mollie. “Transgender Cyclist Rachel McKinnon Dominates as Competitors Cry Foul.” New York Post, New York Post, 22 Oct. 2019, nypost.com/2019/10/21/transgender-cyclist-rachel-mckinnon-dominates-as-competitors-raise-questions/.