Engaging Moderates in the Fight Against Transgender Sports Bans

Engaging Moderates in the Fight Against Transgender Sports Bans

Trans journalist Erin Reed has highlighted the importance of engaging moderate liberals in discussions about supporting trans individuals in sports. In her blog, Reed shared her interaction with a 62-year-old man, who identified as a "diehard liberal" but believed that "male-born bodies" should be banned from female sports teams. He cited an "unfair advantage" as his rationale.

Instead of dismissing his views as transphobic, Reed chose to engage him in a thoughtful discussion. Through her investigation, she found that the man was not a troll but someone who had consistently supported trans rights in other areas, like opposing bathroom bans and the transgender military ban. He represented many individuals—supporters who still have reservations about trans participation in sports.

Reed's approach was to present a reasonable, moderate argument against transgender sports bans, which ultimately resonated with the man. She explained that the media often sensationalizes stories involving physically demanding sports, such as swimming, track, and boxing. Yet, current trans sports bans affect all sports, including those like darts, fishing, and chess, where no athletic advantage exists.

She told him, "These laws aren’t about fairness in competition; they’re about exclusion, plain and simple." This perspective led the man to rethink his stance and consider whether it was fair to only ban trans individuals from sports that have significant physical components.

Reed realized she was reaching him when they began discussing the realities of transgender participation in sports, which is often misrepresented by media narratives. Most people, she noted, have not scrutinized these bans, how they are enforced, or who they truly affect. Reed argued that trans women should be allowed to participate in women's teams across all sports, as no study has shown that transgender women on hormone therapy retain a biological advantage after two years. However, she cautioned that this scientific argument might not be the best starting point for uncertain individuals.

"The science can come later," Reed noted. "What I’ve found more effective is showing how trans participation is already being handled—and how, in practice, it’s far more equitable and thoughtful than the blanket bans being promoted nationwide." Their conversation concluded with a mutual understanding that each sport should set its own regulations, and it makes little sense to treat swimming the same as darts.

Reed successfully reached him, at least partially. She hoped that the next time the topic of transgender athletes arose, he might question the practicality of such bans, potentially sharing insights like, "Did you know they actually banned trans people in chess and darts? That seems excessive." This moment of doubt, she believed, was significant.

Moderate individuals often view broad transgender sports bans as reactionary and absurd, yet this nuance is frequently missed in polling, which often captures only surface-level reactions. The more people understand the intricacies of these bans, the harder they become to justify. Reed’s story serves as a potential guide for trans advocates seeking to engage those who remain unconvinced about the issue.

Reed's narrative may resonate with other moderates, encouraging them to reconsider their views. Her story is also an invitation for trans rights advocates to engage thoughtfully and patiently with those around them.

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