Discrimination in sports on transgender athletes has been an issue for many years, and recently there has been an increase in regulations against transgender athletes. But why? To some, it is considered unfair for transgender athletes to compete with cis-gender athletes because of their athletic abilities. 

Athletic abilities differ for males and females, and many feel that if a transgender woman were to compete on a female sports team would be ruled unfair because of the difference in hormones and testosterone levels. In some states, transgender females can compete on a female team if they have testosterone levels lower than 10 nanomoles and is legally recognized as a woman with provided documentation. Vice-versa, if a transgender man is not taking any hormones over the set parameters then they may compete on women’s or men’s sports teams.

Almost 18 laws and/or bans have been set on transgender youth athletes participating in school sports along with cis-gender athletes. States such as Florida, Arizona, Texas, South Carolina and Alabama have banned youth transgender athletes from participating on a sports team of their preferred gender. These bans have sparked anger for some, and happiness for others. The big question is, is it fair for transgender athletes to compete in their preferred gender’s sport or not? 

Many feel that it’s fair because they should be able to participate in the sport they want to while still being in a safe environment where they are comfortable with themselves. Others feel that it is unfair because they have an unfair advantage making the competition unequal while also making them ahead of their teammates. 58% of Americans feel that transgender women should not participate at women’s level for professional and college level sports, according to Washington Post. While 55% of Americans believe that transgender women should not participate in youth sports on their preferred team. As for males, people have much less of an opinion because it is not considered as drastic of an unfair advantage as it is for women. Dulaney has not shown much acknowledgement for transgender athletes on our sports teams, however, there have been many clubs and opportunities made for all communities within our school. 

Unfortunately, bans are still being created over transgender athletes on their preferred teams even if they follow the given regulations. However, many are still hopeful that there will be a change in regulations against transgender athletes and hope to see diversity on our sports teams here at Dulaney.

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