RebKell's Junkie Boards

[pilight]

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/29/us/lia-thomas-women-sports.html

[so-many-pickles]

Even after years of it, I can't believe this is a topic of conversation. It's completely irrational to even ponder the notion that a subjective sense of gender identity is the actual and relevant difference between male and female human beings.

[ultrasonic]

yeah, fuck trans people

[justintyme]

Here's my take:

1) All elite athletes have some degree of genetic or inherent advantage over the average person.

For example, Michael Phelps was genetically blessed with a "swimmers body", and lungs that had much larger capacity than an average person.

2) So we accept that not all athletes are starting from an "equal" playing field. Otherwise we would demand athletes give themselves "handicaps" (like in golf) for every natural advantage they have over some baseline of the "average athlete".

Example: No one ever complains the Phelps' genetic advantages are "unfair".

3) If we are to accept that a Trans woman is a woman, full stop, then how is any developmental advantage they get during puberty different from the advantages Phelps has?

So yes, if someone doesn't accept Trans people, it will seem like an unfair advantage. But with full acceptance...

4) With all the struggles that comes with being Trans, the way society still treats them, I just can't find it in me to get all works up that some women who are also trans might have an advantage in sports over those who are not.

Also consider why this is such a tough issue on those who are Trans. When this is comes up, especially from groups or individuals who have been historically hostile toward Trans people and LGBTQIA+ rights in general, they hear loud and clear that they are not being accepted as being truly a woman. They hear people saying that they are "other", and it doubly hurts when it comes from people who claim to support LGBTQIA+ rights.

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