American tennis player Martina Navratilova’s recent stand against letting female transgenders participate in women’s competitions has raised a debate on a sensitive issue. By labeling it as “cheating”, she has invited the wrath of many, even leading to the LGBTQ+ community ending ties with her.
It is ironic that Martina, who herself had to undergo sex tests, should now respond to transgender athletes in a reactionary and transphobic fashion. Her argument — That transgender people opt to become women but carry the male hormone testosterone (which is responsible for making men muscular and stronger), giving them an edge over other female athletes.
However, it is not as if all transgender women are running away with the medals. Martina’s objections run contrary to modern day acceptance of sexuality. Also, in fairness, the stories of transgender people suffering humiliation and discrimination in men’s and women’s sports should bring them sympathy rather than condemnation.
Transgender people may have a gender identity that differs from their assigned sex, and their transition may be medically assisted, but there are scientific tests to establish a person’s sex.
Take the case of Tamil Nadu runner Santhi Soundarrajan who won a silver medal in the Qatar Asiad but was subsequently disqualified as she failed the sex test. Not only was she grossly humiliated, but she was also forced to stop competing, forcing the government to come to her rescue after she was discriminated against for failing the one sex test.
Athlete Santhi Soundarajan
Meanwhile, South African runner Caster Semenya has received far more support as she has taken her case to the Court of Arbitration in Sport to argue against being forced to take medicines to lower her testosterone levels after failing the hormone test. She is appealing to the court to strike down the rule that if women have higher levels of the male hormone, they should compete with men, change the events or take medication to reduce the hormones.
Rio paralympics silver medallist Dr Deepa Malik says, “I fully support everyone’s right to the expression of their gender identity however they may identify. Due process must be followed as per the guidelines set out by the International Olympic Committee in every case and I also encourage new scientific advancements in testing so that it is fair and respectful to all. Every competitor, whether trans or cisgender, should get a fair playing field for their hard work.”
While the IOC has rules and guidelines in this regard, athletics is one sport that has rigorous testing procedures for drugs as well as sexuality. So long as they are followed, there should be no grouse for transwomen competing in the women’s section. Dinakar Babu, IAS, MD Sports Authority of Telangana State says, “In India, we don’t have any such rules which keep transgender women from participating in female competitions. However, it is difficult to say if transgender athletes have an advantage over other athletes. There are many situations which lead to winning the competition and not just hormones. It depends on the athletes’ circumstances, training, stamina and a lot more. To say that transgender women have an edge over the others is not completely right.”
Sports medical experts hold mixed opinions. Orthopedic Dr K. J. Reddy, Apollo Hospital says, “It’s probably true because they have male hormones and a more muscular body, so they will always be stronger over female athletes. My hypothesis is that transgenders may have an advantage if they medically find out ahead of time.”
However, Bharath Reddy, Consultant psychiatrist, Apollo Hospital is of the opinion that transgender athletes are in a grey area. “Changing their gender is heavily debatable. Certain females have higher levels of testosterone, but they are naturally born with it, it’s not something that they have done. Similarly, taller people always have an advantage in swimming. Natural traits being utilised in sports should not be controversial at any point. A person needs a lot more to succeed in sports like hard work, resilience etc,” he concludes.
