A new study has suggested that trans athletes may actually be at a physical disadvantage compared to cisgender athletes. Over the last few years, trans athletes have been targeted by conservative figures who use their platforms to spread misinformation and hateful rhetoric.
In addition to dealing with the constant political attacks from bigoted individuals, various sporting bodies have enacted guidelines that either limit the participation of trans athletes or bar them from competing altogether.
Some organisations that have introduced the aforementioned limitations include British Rowing, Badminton England, British Triathlon, World Athletics, Union Cycliste Internationale, Welsh Rugby Union, Irish Rugby Football Union and the International Olympic Committee.
While many of the groups have claimed that their new rules prioritise “fairness of competition,” new research suggests that trans athletes may be at a disadvantage in comparison to their cisgender peers.