Trans athletes
The debate over the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports, particularly trans women, has been one of the most polarizing topics in recent years. Critics often raise concerns about fairness, specifically pointing to biological differences such as testosterone levels. However, a closer examination of the science of hormones, the diversity of natural testosterone levels among cisgender men and women, and the actual impact of trans women in sports reveals that many of these arguments are based on misconceptions. In 2024, the reality of trans athletes' participation, along with historical and scientific contexts, supports their right to compete.
Testosterone has long been viewed as a primary hormone influencing physical performance, particularly in sports. Beginning in the mid-20th century, when hormone testing became more sophisticated, testosterone was increasingly linked to physical strength and athletic performance. It is true that testosterone can play a role in muscle development and recovery; however, the relationship between testosterone levels and athletic success is far more complex than many realize. Numerous studies have shown that high testosterone levels do not automatically result in superior athletic performance, and athletes’ success is influenced by a wide range of factors, including genetics, training, nutrition, and mental preparation.
Historically, the use of testosterone and other performance-enhancing substances led to the development of stringent anti-doping measures in sports. However, these measures were not designed to address natural hormonal variation but to prevent artificial advantages. The focus on testosterone as a key factor in the debate over trans athletes oversimplifies the science behind athletic performance and ignores the diversity of natural hormone levels in all people, including cisgender athletes.
One of the most important aspects of the trans athlete debate is the wide natural variation in testosterone levels among both cisgender men and women. Testosterone levels within both male and female sports vary significantly, undermining the idea that testosterone alone can be a clear-cut marker for athletic performance or eligibility.
In male sports, cisgender men (those assigned male at birth) also exhibit a broad range of testosterone levels. While elite athletes are often assumed to have higher testosterone levels, this is not always the case. Some male athletes may naturally produce lower levels of testosterone than their peers, yet still excel in sports. For example, men with conditions such as hypogonadism (a condition in which the body doesn't produce enough testosterone) might have naturally lower testosterone levels but are still classified as male and allowed to compete without restrictions. This variation demonstrates that athletic success is influenced by a multitude of factors, not just hormone levels. Contrarily, males who produce excess testosterone are often described as having hyperandrogenism or hypergonadism, depending on the underlying cause. Hyperandrogenism refers to a condition where there is an overproduction of androgens, including testosterone, which can occur due to various factors such as tumors in the adrenal glands or testes, or other endocrine disorders. Hypergonadism, on the other hand, refers to excessive activity of the gonads (testes in males), leading to higher-than-normal production of testosterone. In athletes, natural variations in testosterone levels among cisgender males can also occur without any medical condition, and these individuals may still compete in sports without restrictions based on testosterone levels.
Similarly, in female sports, there is also a wide natural variation in testosterone levels among cisgender women. Some cisgender women can have conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hyperandrogenism, which result in elevated levels of testosterone. These women may have testosterone levels that are higher than many cisgender men. Despite this, they are still classified as female and allowed to compete in women’s sports without restrictions on their hormone levels. This raises important questions about the fairness of using testosterone as a strict determinant of eligibility, particularly when women with naturally high testosterone are allowed to compete, while trans women, who have reduced their testosterone levels through hormone therapy, are often viewed with suspicion.
The natural variability of testosterone levels among both cisgender men and women challenges the idea that testosterone is a reliable or fair marker for determining athletic ability or eligibility in gendered sports categories. Performance in sports is determined by a complex interplay of factors such as genetics, training, and mental fortitude, not just hormone levels. Thus, the focus on testosterone as the key factor in the trans athlete debate oversimplifies the science and ignores the diversity that already exists within both male and female sports.
This variability within both cisgender male and female athletes makes it clear that testosterone alone cannot serve as the definitive marker of fairness in competition. Instead, sports should take a more nuanced approach to ensure that all athletes, regardless of gender identity, can compete on a level playing field.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other governing bodies in sports have grappled with these issues for decades. As of 2024, the IOC has set guidelines that allow trans women to compete if their testosterone levels have been below a certain threshold (10 nanomoles per liter) for at least 12 months prior to competition. This threshold is based on scientific research and aims to ensure fairness while acknowledging the complexity of natural hormone variation.
The primary argument in favor of trans athletes competing in sports is rooted in the fundamental principle of fairness. Sports organizations exist to provide opportunities for athletes of all backgrounds, genders, and abilities to compete. To exclude trans athletes from participating in sports based solely on their gender identity or hormone levels would go against the inclusive values that many sports organizations uphold. Trans athletes, like all athletes, deserve the chance to experience the camaraderie, competition, and personal growth that sports offer.
There is no single characteristic that guarantees success in sports. Height, muscle composition, bone density, and cardiovascular endurance all play significant roles in determining athletic ability. Some cisgender women athletes, such as elite sprinters or basketball players, naturally have physical attributes that give them a competitive edge over others. These variations are accepted as part of the diversity within women's sports. Similarly, trans women bring their own set of diverse characteristics to competition. Like all athletes, trans women vary widely in their physical attributes, training regimens, and abilities, making it inappropriate to assume that all trans women inherently have an unfair advantage. Athletic success is determined by a range of factors, not solely by testosterone or physical traits, and athletes should be judged based on their individual performance rather than blanket assumptions about their gender.
While testosterone can affect muscle mass, it is not the sole determinant of athletic ability, and its effects diminish when trans women undergo hormone replacement therapy. Studies show that trans women who transition and maintain reduced testosterone levels for at least a year experience changes in muscle mass, strength, and endurance that bring them in line with cisgender women. The International Olympic Committee and other sports governing bodies have relied on this research to create guidelines that allow trans women to compete fairly. The reduction in testosterone, combined with the physiological changes brought on by hormone replacement therapy, significantly narrows the gap in physical performance between trans and cisgender women.
One of the most common arguments against trans women competing in women’s sports is that their participation will dominate the competition and threaten the integrity of women’s athletics. However, statistics do not support this claim. According to available data in 2024, the number of trans women competing in elite sports remains relatively small. For example, in the U.S., there are fewer than 50 trans women competing at elite levels across all sports, according to LGBTQ advocacy organizations. Moreover, there is no evidence to suggest that trans women are consistently dominating in competitions. In fact, many trans athletes perform at comparable levels to their cisgender counterparts and have not overwhelmingly outperformed them.
Historically, sports have adapted to include marginalized groups without disrupting the integrity of competition. The inclusion of Black athletes, women, and athletes with disabilities into sports once faced intense opposition, with critics claiming that their participation would compromise fairness. Yet, sports have only grown stronger and more inclusive by allowing diverse groups to compete. The inclusion of trans athletes is a continuation of this evolution, promoting fairness and inclusivity without undermining competition. Just as previous social shifts in sports have expanded opportunities for underrepresented athletes, the participation of trans athletes can strengthen and enrich the sporting community.
As of 2024, the number of trans athletes competing in sports at elite levels remains modest. According to data from organizations such as OutSports and the Human Rights Campaign, fewer than 200 trans athletes are competing in high school, collegiate, or professional sports in the U.S., and the number of trans women at elite levels is even smaller, estimated at fewer than 50. Given that there are around 8 million high school athletes alone in the U.S., trans athletes represent approximately 0.0025% of the total athlete population at the high school level alone, and 0.01% of all collegiate athletes. Globally, the number remains similarly low, with trans athletes representing a tiny fraction of overall competitors. Despite the attention the issue receives, trans athletes make up a minuscule portion of participants, and there is no evidence to suggest that their inclusion is having a widespread, negative impact on women's sports.
When discussing women’s sports, it’s important to focus on issues that have a significant, often overlooked, impact on athletes’ well-being and the integrity of the sporting environment. While the debate around trans athletes receives substantial media attention, other pressing concerns in women’s sports deserve more focus. These include the prevalence of sexual assault by coaches and trainers, mental health challenges, equal pay, lack of media coverage, and access to resources. Addressing these issues would improve the safety, mental health, and overall experience of female athletes across all levels of competition.
One of the most serious and under-discussed issues in women’s sports is the high rate of sexual assault and harassment by coaches and trainers. High-profile cases, such as the Larry Nassar scandal involving the U.S. women’s gymnastics team, have shed light on the widespread nature of abuse in sports. According to a 2018 report by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, over 50% of female athletes have experienced some form of harassment or abuse during their careers. This creates a toxic environment for athletes and can lead to lasting physical and psychological damage. Ensuring stronger protections, rigorous background checks, comprehensive reporting systems, and accountability measures for coaches and trainers should be a primary concern for anyone invested in improving women’s sports.
Mental health challenges among female athletes are another critical area that requires more attention. The pressures of competition, performance expectations, injuries, and balancing sports with other responsibilities can significantly impact athletes' mental well-being. Recent cases, such as the withdrawals of elite athletes like Simone Biles from Olympic events and Naomi Osaka from tennis tournaments, have brought attention to the mental health struggles many athletes face. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, as many as 35% of elite athletes experience mental health crises, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Providing better access to mental health resources, including counseling and support networks, would not only help athletes manage these pressures but also reduce the stigma around mental health in sports.
The issue of equal pay continues to be a major problem in women’s sports. Female athletes, even at the highest levels, consistently earn less than their male counterparts. The fight for equal pay was notably brought into the spotlight by the U.S. women’s soccer team, who have been significantly underpaid compared to the U.S. men’s team despite their far superior performance on the world stage. In many sports, female athletes face not only lower salaries but also fewer sponsorship opportunities, lower prize money, and inadequate financial support. Addressing these pay gaps and ensuring that female athletes are fairly compensated for their achievements should be a central goal for improving women’s sports.
Despite growing interest in women’s sports, the lack of media coverage remains a significant issue. Women’s sports receive only about 4% of total sports media coverage, according to a 2019 study by USC’s Center for Feminist Research. This disparity not only limits the visibility and marketability of female athletes but also impacts public perception, sponsorship deals, and financial support for women’s sports programs. Increasing media coverage and representation of female athletes can help to normalize women’s sports, elevate role models for younger athletes, and promote gender equality in the sports industry.
Female athletes often face disparities in terms of access to resources and facilities compared to their male counterparts. In many schools, colleges, and even professional settings, women’s teams receive fewer resources for training, less access to high-quality facilities, and inadequate funding for development programs. For example, the disparities between men’s and women’s college basketball were starkly exposed during the 2021 NCAA tournaments, when female athletes showed how their training facilities and amenities were vastly inferior to those provided to the men’s teams. Addressing these gaps is essential for creating an equal playing field and allowing female athletes to reach their full potential.
Injuries in women’s sports are another area that requires more focus, particularly regarding anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, which are more common in female athletes than in males. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, women are 2 to 10 times more likely to suffer an ACL injury in sports like soccer and basketball. Research into injury prevention, specifically tailored to the unique physiological needs of female athletes, should be prioritized. Additionally, female athletes often receive less attention when it comes to sports science research, with most studies historically focusing on male subjects. Ensuring more gender-specific research in areas like nutrition, recovery, and injury prevention can improve the safety and performance of female athletes.
If people want true fairness in women’s sports, the focus should shift to the critical issues that directly impact female athletes. Sexual assault and harassment by coaches and trainers is a serious, underreported problem that affects the safety and well-being of women in sports. Additionally, lack of media coverage continues to hinder the visibility and recognition of female athletes, limiting their opportunities and sponsorships. Team owners and organizations also play a role by perpetuating pay disparities, often compensating female athletes far less than their male counterparts. Lastly, community support is vital; without investment in and backing from fans, local organizations, and sponsors, women’s sports will continue to struggle for equal footing. Addressing these key issues would do far more to promote fairness and equality in women’s sports than debates over the inclusion of trans athletes. The 50 trans athletes are not the problem.
