NAIA presidents reported that from August 1, only students whose biological sex is female and who have not started hormone therapy to convert to male will be able to compete in women’s competitions between universities. NAIA has 241 U.S. universities as members, and most of them are private and not large. However, transgender rights advocacy groups are concerned about the possibility that the National Association of University Sports (NCAA), which is much larger and more influential, will follow the NAIA’s decision.
“NAIA’s decision can give the NCAA the freedom to do the same,” said Anna Beth, who works for an organization that advocates for gay participation in sports. “That perception is very wrong.”
Historically, the NCAA has maintained inclusiveness. However, the Washington Post said it has not even accepted its demand that states that prohibit transgender athletes from participating in championship games.
In the U.S., gender-changing women’s participation in women’s games is one of the topics where the ideological differences between conservative and progressive camps are clear. Conservative groups and politicians who oppose gender change say that even if you change your gender, you can use your physical advantage as a biological male, which is undermined the essence of sports, “fairness.” Former President Donald Trump also said, “I won’t let men participate in women’s games” if he wins reelection. On the other hand, LGBTQ organizations and others argue that playing games is not unfair as there is no evidence that transgender people are more advantageous in terms of performance, and physical conditions vary from person to person.
It was not counted how many transgender athletes there were in high schools and universities, and it is believed to be a small number, but it is still a very sensitive topic. It also reported that at least 24 out of 50 U.S. states prohibit transgender women from competing together in certain women’s events.
Meanwhile, conflicts are growing in North America, including the U.S. and Canada, over women’s participation in women’s games. Controversy erupted over the participation of a player believed to be transgender at a high school women’s basketball game held in Massachusetts in February. Lee had a tall height and a male skeleton that was one head apart from other players. In particular, the opponent, who was pushed back during the physical fight with Lee, eventually fell on the court and suffered a back injury and the game was suspended.
SALLY LEE
US ASIA JOURNAL
