World Athletics Bars Transgender Females From All International Women’s Competitions
We hope things become easier for them!
On March 24, the President of the International Association Of Athletics Federation Sebastian Coe made an announcement that made us realise once again that the world is far from accepting inclusivity. The President in his statement said that transgender women would no longer be allowed to participate in World Athletic games and that the decision was taken after thorough discussions with the concerned department. This decision has come down as a blow to transgender athletic women and it is just sad!
On March 24, Friday, addressing a press conference, Sebastian Coe stated that any transgender woman who had experienced male puberty will be banned from participating in any of the international athletic competitions. He further elaborated that any transgender woman who has gone through changes from male to female will be restricted from the competitions. Giving a clarification on this announcement, the President also stated that the decision was made after thorough research and discussion with the concerned members of the federation to keep the competitions for other women impartial. As per the news, the rule will come into effect from March 31, and Sebastian Coe also said that the federation has always strived to keep inclusivity as much as possible.
In this press conference, he also assured that the federation will set up a committee to research more about the inclusion of transgender women into the games and that there might be possibilities for change. As for now, the decision of excluding transgender women from female competitions came in view of keeping the games fair.
Also Read: FINA Restricts Transgender Women From Participating In Elite Swimming Competitions, Cites A Scientific Reason
This decision will be heartbreaking for all the transgender women who have broken barriers and stereotypes to make their identity as an athlete. The years of hard work have become futile for them if they no longer get the opportunity to showcase it. We hope this changes for them!
