Caitlyn Jenner says she opposes trans girls competing in female school sports
Reuters | Posted: May 2, 2021 11:37 PM | Last Updated: May 3, 2021
'This is a question of fairness,' says Jenner, who transitioned in 2015
Caitlyn Jenner, a former Olympic gold medal winner and transgender activist, said on Sunday she did not support trans girls competing in female school sports as world sporting bodies debate whether trans women hold an unfair advantage.
Jenner, 71, said trans girls should not be allowed to compete in sports with other girls as it "just isn't fair."
"This is a question of fairness. That's why I oppose biological boys who are trans competing in girls' sports in school. It just isn't fair," Jenner told entertainment media outlet TMZ.
Her comments came as dozens of U.S. states propose to ban transgender women and girls from competing in women's sports, in a move at odds with President Joe Biden's push for greater LGBT+ inclusion.
In March, The International Federation of Sports Medicine (IFSM), which represents 125,000 physicians in 117 countries, said data is scant on the advantages or otherwise of trans athletes, but that each sport needed rules to meet its own physical demands.
Trans men have sparked less controversy, as the extra strength that comes from testosterone taken for transitioning is widely seen as no barrier to safe and fair competition.
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The global debate has united social conservatives and some top sportswomen against trans activists and supportive athletes.
Opponents say trans women have advantages gained in male puberty that are not sufficiently reduced by hormone treatment.
Jenner, who transitioned in 2015, was an acclaimed athlete whose achievements included winning the men's decathlon event at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.
Jenner was married to Kris Kardashian after two other marriages and became a step parent to Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian, which created the setting for the "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" reality TV show.
Earlier this month, Jenner added her celebrity status to a growing band of Republicans seeking to unseat California Governor Gavin Newsom.
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