Exclusion of Trans People from Sports
- Nicole Yeung
- May 29, 2022
- 2 min read
What is it about?
Transgender people are mostly restricted from sports by several sport orginisations owing to concerns surrounding transgender people especially transgender female individuals having an athletic advantage. To ensure fairness is sports events, banning transgender people from these events seems to be the best solution to convince the other competitors. The lack of inclusive and comfortable environments is also the primary barrier to participation for transgender people.
How can sports affect us physically and mentally?
physically:
Sports have an immense impact on a person's daily life and health. They do not just give you an interesting routine but also a healthy body. Getting indulged in physical activities like sports improves your heart function, reduces the risks of diabetes, controls blood sugar, protects against cardiovascular disease and diabetes, improves bone health, weight status, and cognitive function. It has become an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.
mentally:
Sports help lower tension and stress levels. release endorphins that make us healthier and happier. We also achieve a sense of satisfaction in life by releasing our negative emotions by exercising. Sports calm your mind, strengthen your muscles, instill essential teamwork skills, promote a sense of community, and build resilience, and improve your overall well-being. It's easy to start playing sports and receiving these benefits in your life.
What if sports are banned for transgender people?
Transgender people had a mostly negative experience in competitive sports because of the restrictions the sport’s policy placed on them. They face an alarming mental health crisis with high rates of depression, PTSD, and suicidality. Studies have found that transgender youth have over a threefold increased risk of depression and suicide attempts as compared to their non-transgender peers. Thus, the mental health benefits and the community support of sports are of critical importance for this at-risk population. Additionally, a 2020 study showed that transgender students denied access to gender-appropriate bathrooms on their college campuses were 45 percent more likely to attempt suicide. This has direct implications for sports participation, demonstrating how policies of exclusion can exacerbate the mental health crisis already surrounding transgender youth.
Is it really unfair to other competitors?
Currently, there is no direct or consistent research suggesting transgender individuals have an athletic advantage at any stage of their transition. Such banning restrictions only reflect the discrimination against the new idea of transgender people and therefore should be stopped as soon as possible. When there is no proof, it is only considered as a misconception or a myth. Therefore, competitive sport policies that place restrictions on transgender people need to be considered and potentially revised.
What can we do?
To alleviate the problem of discrimination against transgender people participating in sports events, we can educate our friends and families on the misconceptions the internet has brought about. Donating to related campaigns would also help raise the awareness of problems trangender people are facing as a whole and spread the message of the importance of the equal treatment transgenders should receive. Together, we can create a better and more harmonious environment.
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