Lance Armstrong Speaks Out After Backlash Over Transgender Comments
Lance Armstrong has spoken out in defense of himself, after receiving criticism on social media for his comments regarding the "fairness" of transgender people competing in sports.The onetime sportsman's reputation and legacy was tarnished after it emerged that he had used performance-enhancing drugs for much of his career.
He was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned from competitive cycling for life.In a series of tweets over the weekend, Armstrong, 51, said that he was "uniquely placed" to discuss divisive subjects as he announced the launch of a special series of his podcast, The Forward."Of all the controversial and polarizing subjects out there today, I'm not sure there are any as heated as the topic of Trans athletes in sport," he tweeted."Is there not a world in which one can be supportive of the transgender community and curious about the fairness of Trans athletes in sport yet not be labeled a transphobe or a bigot as we ask questions?" Armstrong continued. "Do we yet know the answers?
And do we even want to know the answers?"I do. Hence these conversations... a special series of The Forward, beginning Monday, where I dive into this issue with an open mind in an attempt learn as much as possible from all sides of the debate."He ended his thread: "I hope that for those who have been reluctant to have this conversation, this somehow feels safe.
Be fearless."Have we really come to a time and place where spirited debate is not only frowned upon, but feared? Where people’s greatest concern is being fired, shamed or cancelled?
