IndexIntroductionAcceptance and Equality: Rights of Transgender AthletesEquity and Inclusion: Supporting Transgender AthletesTransgender Athlete DebateConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionAthletes come in all different shapes, from big to small, white to black, and it's something that makes sport special. In recent years, a new group of athletes has emerged on the playing field, transgender athletes. It wasn't an easy change in the world of sports, allowing these athletes to play alongside them. There has been much discussion about whether these athletes should compete with their sex or gender identity. Competing with one's gender would cause an MTF to compete as male, while competing with one's gender would cause an MTF to compete as female. As the number of transgender athletes grows in size, a more defined answer must emerge. 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 were forced to compete with their natural sex if they began steps to increase or suppress testosterone. Not only will they be singled out, but they will be afraid to compete in sports again. Although men's and women's sports are very different, it still makes more sense to compete with gender rather than sex. Transgender athletes have earned the right to demonstrate that they compete with the gender they now identify with, as that makes things even more important than competing with their sex. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayAcceptance and Equality: Rights of Transgender AthletesThe first reason why trans athletes should compete with their gender rather than sex is because it will help change the lives of all transgender people. The United States in particular has never been a fan of change, this is where sport comes into play and becomes the gateway to change. Just as Jackie Robinson did in the sport of 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, the outside world won't either. Allowing transgender athletes to compete as their gender will demonstrate that they are accepted in the world. This will also show others that it is acceptable to be who you want and be able to do the things you love. It is not fair to prevent this group of athletes from being and doing what they want. The world has come too far to fall back into not allowing people to participate because of the way they were born. All in all it makes more sense to let them compete with their gender rather than sex. It benefits all transgender people and shows them that they can also achieve their dreams without the fear of being excluded because of who they are. Many studies have been conducted to help transgender athletes compete within their gender. This will not only allow them to fit in more, but will keep the competition fairer. One article talks about how certain rules help keep the game fair for all athletes stating that "the NCAA has some rules for trans athletes, trans men can compete on either type of team without initiation of treatment, women trans must compete in men's sports unless they are taking testosterone suppression, but they must do so for a year before competing” (Gayles) This tells how trans women must stand out to compete with their gender, but it also serves as a way of fairness on the playing field for trans men it is notrequired to sit down at no time, but most are still taking something that will help boost their testosterone, putting them at a more competitive level with men. These studies support the growth of a level playing field for transgender athletes. Equity and inclusion: Supporting transgender athletes. Having a change in anything always comes with potential problems. Some that may occur include frustrated men being beaten by women and the discrimination trans athletes may face along the way (Gleaves). Everyone has heard the phrase “nothing is easy” and this is true for transgender people too. They will undoubtedly face some form of discrimination along the way, sadly this has always been the way of life in the world, however no change can be made unless someone takes up the challenge. With most changes in sports, the handling of race has involved a fair amount of discrimination and has ultimately improved and made sports a more fun place. The same idea could be discussed with gender, even if it's not a change people want to see, it could be to everyone's benefit. From the male point of view, getting beaten by a woman will just be a phase to overcome. Competing based on gender rather than sex gets that out of the way. It will be a woman who has now turned into a man, and that will just have to be understood rather than excuses being made as to why they shouldn't be allowed to compete. Most trans or MTF men have an easier path to playing sports. White trans women or MTFs get a red flag (Kamasz). This shows how, although both are discriminated against, it is worse for trans women. This is especially unfair if the women have followed the repression for the required time. Another problem that could emerge concerns the changing rooms. It could reasonably be a lot to organize a group where someone who was once of the opposite sex now shares a locker room with them. This could be a simple solution by including a special place to change for anyone who may feel uncomfortable. This will still allow them to share a changing room without being separated and still have a place to change or anything else needed. Additionally, trans athletes competing with their gender will make them feel more comfortable with who they are. It will make these athletes more willing to come and compete in all aspects of sports. Besides that, it helps them identify better with their gender rather than being excluded. When they can feel comfortable with who they are, it becomes much easier to play sports and it gives them the opportunity to show children that, in the same boat, they can feel comfortable with themselves too. All of this will make the sport a much nicer place for transgender people to escape to. Another benefit of making these athletes comfortable is that it will give them the courage to talk openly about their journey and the challenges they faced to get to where they are now. This will help demonstrate that anyone can feel comfortable playing sports and will help give the world of athletics a much better reputation. There is nothing wrong you can do to get a better reputation, regardless of who it comes from. Debate on Transgender Athletes Looking at the other side of trans athletes competing with their gender is absolutely unfair to all parties. If this were to be done, trans men would have a huge athletic advantage playing against women. The only way to be fair would be to not allow them to increase testosterone, which would not allow them to evolve into the image. 315-331.