Watch this and Chill

In the last few weeks we have seen two major news stories breaking concerning trans athletes in women’s events, a worrying indication of what the future has in store for us.

Valentine Petrillo made a history as the first trans athlete to compete as a women in the Paralympics. What made it so controversial was that Petrillo had previously competed as a man, and had only transitioned recently. There was shock at the Olympic Committee’s decision to allow the athlete to take part in a women’s event.

And last week a women’s football team, who have a trans manager, signed a trans player in goal. In response to this, the rest of the team refused to play their scheduled match. Sutton F.C. – the club in question – issued a heavy handed response reinstating their decision to sign the player in question.

The Football Association’s transgender policy states that English law allows separate competitions to be organised for men and women. But Sutton F.C. then added that Hamilton’s involvement in the women’s game is “fully compliant with all legal and regulatory guidelines.” They ignored any opposing views held by the players and supporters of the club.

Both of these occurrences highlight how quickly official bodies are eroding women’s rights. For make no mistake, that’s what’s happening. Petrillo replaced female athletes in the race she competed in, the same thing happened when Sutton signed a male-at-birth player. Every time this happens it will become harder and harder to raise any objections.

And every time it happens the same arguments will re-surface. But there is a simple solution. Create all-trans events at the Olympics to protect female athletes. Women’s sports such as soccer which see increased participation by trans players should be safeguarded. It’s the only way to stop this ugly sideshow from interfering with the beauty of sports.