Thread by @RogerPielkeJr

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The policy questions related to trans athlete inclusion in mainstream sport are actually straightforward

Here is the question: Should trans athletes be allowed to participate in mainstream sport under the gender category that they are recognized in broader society?

There are just three answers to this question:

➡️No
➡️Yes, but regulated
➡️Yes

I am in the "yes, but regulated" category
I am aware of very few who argue "yes"
I hear a lot from the "no" folks

Let's take each in turn

"Yes"

This position is functionally equivalent to abandoning male/female categories in sport & calling for open competition

It is a great point of discussion for the classroom, but it for a range of reasons - practical, ethical, legal, societal - it is not desirable in practice

"No"

This position is functionally equivalent to banning trans athletes from competing in the male/female category they are recognized in broader society

Many who argue this seem to think that repeating the word "science" wins the debate

But ethics, culture, values matter too

"Yes, but regulated"

This position recognizes the science of biology, but also recognizes that inclusion is a value that is held in society and within sport

How regulations are to be developed and implemented is contested & political

This is the current IOC position

Debate over trans inclusion in mainstream sport parallels debate over para athlete inclusion in mainstream sport
There's an int'l convention on disabled persons but even that hasn't stopped debate or efforts to ban para athletes from mainstream competition
un.org/development/de…

For my part -these are my values- inclusion is important
It is so important that I believe that we collectively have a strong obligation to make every reasonable accommodation possible for inclusion of everyone in mainstream sport
You have different values? Great!
These are mine

Sport is a part of society
Therefore sport should reflect society
Sport is not a playground where discrimination & exclusion get a free pass
Don't take my word for it, the long arc of history is towards greater inclusion with hard fought battles along the way

Neither "science" nor "biology" are in opposition to inclusion
Facts don't determine values
An is does not create an ought

Some want to ban trans athletes
Some want them included (but regulated)

This is not a debate that will be settled intellectually
It is political

A final few points

I fully respect that people have differing & legitimate views on this issue - people (me too) hold values dear

But the debate should occur without stigmatizing individuals or groups, far too much of that from the "no" crowd (I see you)

In closing I'm happy to hear your views, agree or disagree

That said, be a jerk on Twitter and I will instantly mute
Far too much nastiness, name calling & even threats on my feed on this topic (it's even worse than climate, which should give you pause!)

Happy Wednesday😎