Table of ContentsIntroductionAcceptance and Equality: Rights of Transgender AthletesEquity and Inclusion: Supporting Transgender AthletesTransgender Athletes DebateConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionAthletes come in all shapes and sizes, from tall to short to white to the black, and that's something that makes the sport special. In recent years, a new group of athletes has appeared on the playing field, transgender athletes. This has not been an easy change in the world of sports, allowing these athletes to play alongside them. Much discussion has centered on whether these athletes should compete with their sex or gender identity. Competing on gender, an MTF could compete as a male, while competing on gender, an MTF could compete as female. As the number of transgender athletes increases, a more specific answer must surface. Some athletes feel uncomfortable with them in the locker room or say trans athletes have an unfair advantage. Transgender athletes would be at a disadvantage if they had to compete with their natural gender if the steps to gain or suppress testosterone began. Not only will they be singled out, but they will also be afraid of being able to participate in sporting competitions again. Although men's and women's sports are very different, it still makes more sense to compete based on gender rather than gender. Transgender athletes have earned the right to prove themselves by competing with the gender they now identify with because it makes things fairer than competing with their gender. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayAcceptance and Equality: Rights of Transgender AthletesThe first reason why trans athletes should compete with their gender rather than their sex is that this will help change the lives of all transgender people. The United States in particular has never been keen on change, which is where sport comes in and becomes the gateway to change. Just as Jackie Robinson did in baseball for African Americans, the same could be done for transgender athletes. If the sports world isn't willing to accept an athlete for the gender they identify with to the outside world, they won't either. By allowing transgender athletes to compete as their gender, it will show that they are accepted in the world. It will also show others that it is okay to be whoever you want and to be able to do the things you love. It is not fair to prevent this group of athletes from existing and doing what they want. The world has gone far too far to no longer let people participate because of the way they were born. Overall, it makes more sense to let them compete with their gender rather than their sex. This benefits all transgender people and shows them that they too can achieve their dreams without fear of being excluded because of who they are. Many studies have been conducted to help transgender athletes compete for their gender. This will not only allow them to integrate more, but also maintain fairer competition. One article explains how certain rules help keep the game fair for all athletes, stating that "the NCAA has certain rules for trans athletes; trans men are allowed to compete in either type of team without treatment being started, trans women must compete in men's sports. unless they take anti-testosterone treatment,but they have to take it for a year before they compete” (Gayles). This shows how trans women must stay on the sidelines to compete with their gender, but also serves as a means of achieving fairness on the field. Trans men are not required to take time off at any time, but most still take something that will help them increase their testosterone, which will put them on a more competitive level with men. These studies promote the growth of equal play for transgender athletes.Equity and Inclusion: Supporting Transgender AthletesHaving a change in anything always comes with potential problems. Some issues can arise, including men's frustration at being beaten by women, and the discrimination trans athletes might face along the way (Gleaves). Everyone has heard the expression “nothing comes easy” and this remains true for transgender people. There is no doubt that they will face some form of discrimination along their journey, which has unfortunately always been a way of life, but no change can be made unless someone takes up the challenge. challenge. Most changes in sports related to race came with their share of discrimination, which ultimately improved and made sports a more entertaining place. The same idea could be discussed with gender, although it's not a change people want to see, it could be in everyone's best interest. From a man's point of view, being beaten by a woman will just be a phase that needs to be overcome. Competing based on their gender rather than their sex eliminates this. It will be a woman who has now become a man, and we will just have to understand that rather than giving excuses for not being allowed to compete. Most trans or FTM men have an easier path to sports, white trans or MTF women get a red flag (Kamasz). This shows that while both face discrimination, the situation is worse for trans women. This is unfair, especially if women have been under repression for the required length of time. Another issue that could surface is locker rooms. Reasonably, it can be a lot to create a group where someone who was once the other gender now shares a locker room with them. This could be a simple solution by placing a special changing area for anyone who might be uncomfortable. This will still allow them to share a changing room without being separated, while still having a place to change or whatever is necessary. Then trans athletes competing with their gender will make them more comfortable with who they are. This will inspire these athletes to come and compete in all aspects of the sport. Along with this, it helps them identify better with their gender rather than being excluded. When they can be comfortable with who they are, it makes the sport much easier to play and gives them the opportunity to show the kids in the same boat that they can also be comfortable with themselves- same. All of this will make sports a much more pleasant place of escape for transgender people. Another benefit of making these athletes feel comfortable is that it will give them the courage to speak out about their journey and the challenges they had to overcome to get to where they are now. This will help show that everyone can be comfortable playing sport and will help give the world of sport a much better reputation. There is nothing wrong with gaining a better reputation, no matter where that reputation comes from. Transgender Athlete Debate Looking at the other side of trans athletes competing with their gender is downright unfair to all parties. If this were to be done, men.. 315-331.