I write in support of the April 28 editorial “Nothing is level about this playing field,” especially the line which reads “all males and females—plus those who identify as non-binary—should have equal access to school sports programs. The harm to biological females, however, is undeniable.”
The objection, that on average biological men are stronger and faster than women, is not inflammatory or incorrect. It is a fact.
The prevailing view is segregating sports by birth sex will cause irreparable harm to already struggling athletes comprising an ever growing percentage of my generation (“Z”). This is, to be frank, insane.
If one is 16 years old and questions their gender, permitting them to play state-sanctioned sports with teenagers of the visually-apparent, opposite gender will not lessen their mental health strain or lead to some new, wholesome identity.
Instead, they will be silently judged by their peers, and women will lose the chance to win titles or even participate—college sports programs have limited spots for all sports.
Horrifying numbers of Gen Z don’t want to marry, to have children, serve in the armed forces, or believe they will be able to retire. Will sticking to the status quo and not passing the House legislation turn those trends around?
There is also the matter of visuals.
How does it feel to see a photo of a championship podium with someone looking like a dude holding a gold medal, while two women stand uncomfortably below with silver and bronze?
If you say “filled with pride at our inclusive society,” I would be surprised. It’s time for people to turn to each other and say “the emperor has no clothes.”
In closing, the desire for equity is wrong. People have different abilities that are often determined by one’s own gender. Elwood Lake Camarillo