Powerschool GoGuardian Naviance Aimsweb Semstracker EdReflect SchoolDude Virtual Paragon Frontline Alio Service Portal

How Trans Women Entering Women’s Sports is Changing the Game

Allowing transgender, specifically transgender women, students to play on their desired sports team is a hot topic among the news. As the Equality Act is slowly making its way through court. On Thursday, February 25th, 2021, the House of Representatives passed the Equality Act. The Equality Act bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, public education, federal funding, credit, as well as the jury system. With this act passed, transgender women will be able to join and play in women’s sports. In Connecticut’s high school sports, the goal is to provide equality for all athletes.

The CIAC (Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference) states that they are, “Committed to providing transgender student-athletes with equal opportunities to participate in CIAC athletic programs consistent with their gender identity.”

Whether or not it’s fair for trans women to play in women’s sports is one of the multiple concerns expressed. Jess Block, GSA club advisor at Woodland, understands this concern.

“What’s fairer? To have people with different abilities playing the same sport, or to tell people we don’t like your gender, so you don’t get to play the sport?” said Block. “Sometimes, you’re in sports with people whose skills, or physical strengths or abilities are very different all the time.”

Not only is fairness a concern, mental health is a huge part of the decision as well. Chris Anderson, former Physical Education and Health teacher at Woodland states his worries for his students in class.

“If [students] are not in a good place emotionally, it’s going to be hard for them to grasp concepts,” said Anderson. “So I always try to get to know my students’ names, because I want to make a connection with them as best as I can.”

Gender dysphoria is another thing that people might have to deal with. Aria Trompeter, another member of the GSA, communicates their regard for those who have to go through this.

“If they were being forced to play on a male team while being a female, that would definitely increase unhappy feelings with themselves,” Trompeter stated. “The dysphoria would be strong.”

Overall, the topic of transgender athletes is a controversial one and is currently being debated in multiple states. Kathleen Tranquillo, Physical Education and Health teacher at Woodland expresses her optimism about the future of our society, community, and school.

“We can consistently push for programs that promote inclusion, for all,” Tranquillo concludes. “From special needs to transgender athletes, we should do everything we can to provide a fair and inclusive experience for everyone.”

Juniper Araujo

Learn More →