Balancing Safety and Fairness with Inclusivity in Girls’ Sports
The question of whether biological males should be allowed to compete in girls' sports has sparked a national debate. Transgender advocates are calling for the inclusion of transgender women (biological males who transition to female) in women’s sports, while opponents argue that allowing biological males to compete against females in sports compromises fairness, creates safety concerns, and reduces opportunities for women. This is a complex issue, but I believe there are compelling reasons why we must consider the distinct physical differences between men and women when it comes to athletic competition.
The most obvious argument against allowing biological males to compete in girls’ sports revolves around the undeniable physical advantages that males have over females. After puberty, men tend to have larger muscle mass, greater bone density, and more efficient cardiovascular systems, which contribute to superior strength, speed, and endurance.
Yes, hormone therapy can reduce testosterone levels, but it is difficult if not impossible, to fully erase the physiological changes that occur during male puberty. These biological factors provide a significant advantage in most sports, especially those that rely on speed, strength, and endurance. With this in mind, it’s hard to deny that allowing a transgender individual to compete in women’s sports creates an unlevel playing field, where biological females are at a significant disadvantage.
Safety has become a top priority in every sport, and allowing biological males to compete against females puts female athletes at greater risk of injury. It’s important to acknowledge that these concerns aren’t rooted in a desire to exclude but in ensuring that competition remains safe and fair for everyone who competes.
Another concern raised by those who oppose biological males in girls' sports is the potential loss of opportunities for biological females. For all athletes, High school and college sports are a critical part of athletic development and can even provide scholarship opportunities. When male athletes compete in women’s events, they tend to dominate the competition, limiting the chances for female athletes to succeed, earn scholarships, and receive recognition.
In many sports, even a small physical advantage can make the difference between winning and losing. This is especially true in track and field, swimming, and powerlifting, where the differences in strength and endurance are highly impactful. This was highlighted by “JayCee Cooper v. USA Powerlifting” right here in Minnesota. For many female athletes, the chance to compete at a high level is not just about achievement; it's about scholarships, career opportunities, and the ability to pursue a passion they’ve dedicated their entire lives to. When males are allowed to participate in these events, it limits those opportunities, and that’s a significant concern.
Title IX, a landmark federal law passed in 1972, was designed to ensure gender equality in education and school associated athletic programs. Title IX opened doors for women in athletics by providing equal access and opportunities to compete. Prior to Title IX, many schools and universities had minimal opportunities for female athletes, and women’s sports were underfunded and undervalued. Even today, professional women’s athletics are struggling to obtain the recognition and respect they deserve.
I believe that allowing biological males to compete in girls’ sports undermines the painstaking progress made under Title IX. The law was created to ensure that women’s sports would be given equal resources and recognition, and that women would have the same chances to compete and succeed as men. Introducing biological males into these competitions threatens the very principles that Title IX was intended to protect, as it reduces opportunities for women and girls who have worked tirelessly to level the playing field.
The goal should be to create a system that respects the rights of everyone while also preserving the same standard of competitive integrity and safety for female athletes that are afforded to male athletes. However, I feel this debate doesn’t have an easy answer that will satisfy everyone, and I think that’s something we may have to accept for the time being.
Some have proposed the creation of separate categories for transgender athletes, or allowing transgender athletes to compete in leagues based on their gender identity, as long as they meet certain criteria, such as specific hormone levels. This opens a whole new can of worms and ethical questions that are yet to be addressed.
At its core, sports should be about fairness and providing athletes with an opportunity to compete at the highest level. For female athletes, that means respecting their right to compete on a level playing field. As society moves toward greater inclusion, it’s important we find workable solutions that don’t compromise the integrity and safety of women’s athletics.