Who is Emily Mayer?
Emily Mayer is someone who believes in Equality for all means, all people. As somebody who grew up with a brother who has a disability, works in the special education field, and has a Masters's Degree in Education Policy, there are so many areas in life where Equality does not come into the conversation. That's just unacceptable, in my opinion.
For anyone who isn't aware, what does Transgender mean?
Transgender is a gender identity; the sex you were born with biologically does not match the gender you identify as.
Can you explain S531, and why do you oppose it?
S531 is titled "Save Women's Sports," which is a no more because women's sports does not need saving, but essentially what this bill does, it seeks to enforce sexual roles, male or female. Based on your assigned sex at birth. If you are a middle school or high school, you need to play the sport that goes along with your assigned sex. So if you are transgender and you identify as a different gender, you would be excluded from participating in the sport you identify with.
Since everyone's transition process is different, should their stage determine if they can participate?
No, Period, Point Blank, No. If a trans girl or a trans woman wants to participate in a female sport, in a women's sport, they should be able to do so. Trans women are women; trans girls are girls, full stop. That's the end of the conversation right there. So people trying to justify were there at in the process or limited it based on testosterone levels, and this and that. It only hurts sis women who maybe have more elevated testosterone levels as well. It puts us under the microscope. So, acceptance is acceptance; sports are sports. We don't have sis men coming over to women's sports trying to play women's basketball. Just like there are some women who are more athletically inclined than others. It's going to be the same as whether you have trans women involved in sports or not. It does not give them an advantage.
What are the benefits of including trans athletes?
The benefits that every person gets to have being able to participate in sports. Along with the message of inclusion. Trans individuals face a higher level of scrutiny and bullying, and unacceptance from their families and communities. So to be able to provide them with a place they are accepted and welcomed and able to express themselves the way they wish to. It will only create a more vital team dynamic which ultimately is what you want in sports.
In your opinion, does the inclusion of Trans in sports make it unfair to others?
Nope, I think excluded would be unfair. Part of the argument we heard today in testimony is that transgender people should go in co-ed or they should have their own league. If a transwoman wants to play in women's sports, I don't see why there should be an argument about that.
Keep in touch, and stay in the know!
Comments