It's essential to approach the topics of biological sex and transgender identity with sensitivity and respect, recognizing that there is a wide range of natural variations in physical characteristics and that gender identity may not always align with biological sex. It's important to treat individuals with intersex characteristics with dignity and respect and support their right to self-determination and autonomy.
I wanted to play football as a youngster, which I did in the neighborhood, but not on the pee wee team because girls weren’t allowed. Girls’ teams manifested because we wanted to compete. I was very disappointed that sports were divided by sex. I wanted to compete against the strongest, most virile opponents to be the best, and I even confessed to my grandmother that I wasn’t sure I wanted to be a girl, especially if I couldn’t play on the boys’ team. Most girls I encountered didn't seem interested in sports or becoming physically stronger. Therefore, I was unable to form a coalition advocating for coed teams.
I recall that epic tennis match between Billie Jean King and a much older Bobby Riggs, the frustration from Riggs, and my own sense of schadenfreude, taking pleasure in his suffering. Inwardly, I’ve always imagined that the reason sports became divided by sex is due to toxic masculinity or male ego, his inability to endure "losing to a girl." If women began to dominate men in sports, it would turn patriarchy topsy-turvy, forever altering the war between the sexes.
Generally, biological sex can be determined by physical examination, including at birth. Nonetheless, in some cases of intersex, the physical characteristics may not be apparent or fit into typical male or female categories, making it difficult to determine biological sex based on physical examination alone.
The likelihood of someone in your family being intersex or having indeterminate biological sex depends on several factors, such as genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. According to estimates, the prevalence of intersex conditions varies widely, from 0.018% to 1.7% of live births, depending on the specific condition and the criteria used to define intersex.
Additionally, the likelihood that someone in your family identifies as transgender depends on various factors such as genetics, environment, and individual experiences. Studies suggest that the prevalence of transgender identity is approximately 0.6% among adults in the United States. However, this estimate may not reflect the true diversity of transgender experiences or the frequency of transgender identity among different populations. One factor is that society continues to make it difficult for people who identify as transgender to disclose.
It's important to remember that biological sex and gender identity are personal and complex aspects of an individual's identity and cannot be predicted or assumed based on physical presentation, family history, or other factors. Transgender identity, like biological sex, is not a choice or a lifestyle. Gender involves a deeply felt sense of self influenced by numerous factors, including biology, psychology, and social environment. Sex involves chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive organs (unseen externally). People unwilling to approach the topic with respect, care, sensitivity, and open hearts should mute themselves.
As society continues to evolve, let us understand that biological sex is not a good reason to ban trans or intersex athletes from school sports. Let competitors compete. Let them build strength, endurance, agility, and finesse. Let them cultivate comraderies that carry us toward a diverse and inclusive future. That is what school sports are about.
Image: girls soccer. Pixabay