Is Riley Gaines overreacting?

Question

1. Transgender cyclist Emily Bridges was due to competeLinks to an external site. in her first women's event last month but was barred by cycling's world governing body. (QUESTION: In your opinion, was that fair to Emily? Why or Why not?)

2. Bridges, 21, came out as transgender in 2020 and began hormone therapy a year later as part of her gender dysphoria treatment. (QUESTION: As you can see below in the midst of her transition she was still competing against men, was it equitable to allow her to do that?)

3. She raced in male events while transitioning, including finishing 43rd out of 45 riders in the elite men's criterium at the Loughborough Cycling Festival in May 2021, while in September she was second to last in the Welsh National Championship road race, a 12km lap behind the winner.

Based on the three examples above let's explore Emily's bouncing from a women's sport to a men's sport. Is the way Emily was going to compete in a woman's sport and then competed in a men's sport while transitioning to female equitable to both men and women?

Last month, Bridges won a men's points race at the British Universities Championships in Glasgow - her final men's race.

Then, having met British Cycling's requirements, Bridges was set to compete in the women's National Omnium Championships.

But three days beforeLinks to an external site. she was due to take part in her first women's race, Bridges was ruled ineligible to compete by cycling's world governing body, the UCI. British Cycling later suspended its transgender policyLinks to an external site., meaning transgender women could no longer compete at its elite female events while a full review is undertaken "in the coming weeks". (QUESTION: Was suspending the transgender policy a ploy to keep trans women out of women's sports?)

Answer 1

Your questions touch on a complex and multifaceted issue regarding the participation of transgender athletes in sports, particularly in the context of fairness and equity in competitions. Here are responses to each of your questions:

1. Was it fair to Emily Bridges to be barred from competing? Why or why not?

   • The fairness of Emily Bridges being barred from competition hinges on various factors, including the policies of the governing bodies, the science around hormone therapy and athletic performance, and the principles of inclusion vs. fairness. Some argue it is fair to prioritize the integrity and safety of women's sports, while others believe that an athlete who has undergone hormone therapy should have the right to compete in their affirmed gender category. It is a nuanced issue with valid points on both sides.

2. Was it equitable to allow her to compete in men's events while transitioning?

   • The equity of allowing Emily to compete in men’s events during her transition raises questions about the competitive balance between male and female athletes and the physiological differences associated with sex. Many believe that allowing a trans woman to compete in men's events reflects an ongoing transition process, which may not give her a competitive advantage. Others might argue that she should not have competed in men’s categories if she identifies as female, as that could create confusion regarding competitive fairness. Again, this is a contentious issue and varies by viewpoint.

3. Is Emily's transition from competing in a women's sport and then in a men's sport equitable to both men and women?

   • This question focuses on balance and fairness in competitive sports. Critics of allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports may argue that even with hormone therapy, physiological advantages from male puberty could remain, thus disadvantaging cisgender women athletes. Advocates for inclusion argue that the experience and challenges faced by transgender athletes deserve recognition and respect, regardless of prior competitive experiences. The equitable treatment of athletes, therefore, is subjective and can depend on how one prioritizes inclusion versus perceived fairness.

4. Was suspending the transgender policy a ploy to keep trans women out of women's sports?

   • The decision to suspend the transgender policy may be viewed differently depending on one's perspective on gender inclusivity and competitive integrity. Some might see it as a necessary step to protect women's sports and ensure a level playing field. Others may interpret it as a move to exclude transgender athletes, signaling a lack of support for inclusivity. This decision can be seen as part of a broader debate about how to balance equity, safety, inclusion, and fairness in competitive sports.

Overall, the discussions surrounding these questions are deeply rooted in cultural, social, and scientific contexts. Each perspective is informed by a variety of beliefs about gender, competition, and the definition of fairness in sports.