Why? There are many progressives who support trans rights fervently but have questions about the fairness in sports issue. Are we going to pretend that this particular issue doesn't exist for people?
Replies
What’s truly unfair is the idea that a young trans person has to be anything but their true selves because politicians are uncomfortable with their existence.
aug 3, 2025, 3:43 pm • 0 0 • view
But this isn't (just) about politicians or people being uncomfortable with the existence of trans people. It's about finding a balance that respects the rights of *both* trans and cis girls and women to be their true selves, to feel safe, and to be able to follow their dreams.
aug 3, 2025, 4:46 pm • 3 0 • view
I'm sure that would be possible in most cases, but in order for this to work both sides have to be listened to. Not again telling girls and women to be the sensible ones, to set aside their own wishes and needs in favor of their brothers, husbands, aging parents, or everyone else needing support.
aug 3, 2025, 4:48 pm • 0 0 • view
You are spot on, the balance of respecting both parties is very important. I just wish the default judgement was something other than “ban all trans people from sports”.
aug 3, 2025, 4:53 pm • 1 0 • view
Of course. But in order to persuade people to accept that you need a nuanced discussion. Like Pete and McBride are trying to start. I'd say you shouldn't let boys and men off the hook either. How about accepting and welcoming trans girls pre-HRT as girls in an otherwise male team?
aug 3, 2025, 4:59 pm • 2 0 • view
As far as HRT goes, everyone’s path is different and may or may not include drugs. I don’t believe this should be a deciding factor in explicit rights for trans people, especially young trans athletes who may be early in their journey.
aug 3, 2025, 5:31 pm • 0 0 • view
I think it has to be at least discussed case-by-case. In many disciplines it won't matter at all and certainly not if it's not about competing on a higher level. But their has to be honesty on all sides and the willingness on both sides for flexible solutions.
aug 3, 2025, 5:41 pm • 2 0 • view
I’m all for a nuanced discussion, much like we are having now. It just seems hypocritical for Pete to flip flop his allegiance on full rights for trans people. Especially young trans athletes. In general, no cis white male should be able to tell a trans woman that they’re not really a woman.
aug 3, 2025, 5:29 pm • 1 0 • view
He didn't flip-flop his allegiance. He's never been shy to say that not all problems have win-win solutions and that sometimes you have to balance the rights and needs of one group against the rights and needs of an other group. Activists should take sides, leaders should be there for everyone.
aug 3, 2025, 5:48 pm • 3 0 • view
Pete hasn't flip-flopped. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time he was specifically asked about (FTM) trans in sports. Now we know his position--and it matches up with the position that many progressive Democrats hold, if we're being fair and honest.
aug 4, 2025, 7:48 pm • 2 0 • view
Correction: MTF trans in sports. Sorry, should have proofread this before I hit the reply button.
aug 4, 2025, 11:16 pm • 0 0 • view
Lmao, worlds strongest ally, this achieves nothing other than making the trans girl in question the other, sports are just as social growing up so what message will that trans girl take away from this? That she is a second class woman?
aug 7, 2025, 4:31 pm • 0 0 • view
But that's not what Pete said (going back to the original post). Pete said politicians shouldn't be deciding this. The sports association and schools at the local should decide these issues based on medical/scientific findings (which is what the NCAAs and Olympics do). This takes time & education.
aug 4, 2025, 7:45 pm • 1 0 • view
That's the whole point, #TransphobicBigotPete has a bully pulpit to educate instead of surrendering #AOC2028 #AOCtransAlly 😉
aug 4, 2025, 7:55 pm • 4 3 • view