British transgender cyclist Emily Bridges and her (in) participation in the national championship once again stirred up the waters of transgender athletes in the categories of biological women and men. Initially, it was granted leave because it complied with the British Cycling Union’s requirement that testosterone levels must be less than 5 nanomoles per liter for 12 months. But after protests and impending boycotts, she was denied a start due to her “incompetence”.
There has been talk before of the American swimmer Lie Thomas, who is already racing and winning in the women’s categories. According to many, transgender athletes should have special categories, as biological development will greatly affect their performance, even if hormone levels are already in line with the requirements of individual unions.
???????? Boris Johnson today criticised trans people in women’s sports events and said it would be “sensible” for them not to compete among female athletes. pic.twitter.com/62Xkaifj3h
— European Insider (@Europa_Insider) April 6, 2022
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has now spoken in the same vein. “I don’t think biological men should compete with women. It may be controversial, but it seems reasonable to me, “Johnson said, adding that he had nothing against transgender people as such.
“It does not mean that I am not in favor of people who want to change their gender. It is important that we give them maximum love and support in making such decisions, “the prime minister said.” These are complex issues that cannot be solved by one quick and easy piece of legislation. ” solved.
In response to Johnson’s comments, Stonewall’s LGBTQ + said that “trans people deserve the same opportunities as everyone else to enjoy the benefits of sport, and their widespread exclusion is fundamentally unfair.”
