So I was reading recently that the IOC (International Olympics Committee) had ruled that female-to-male athletes can compete in the upcoming Olympics 'without restriction', while male-to-female athletes must undergo hormone therapy, according to new guidelines. I would be classed under the female-to-male bracket, so of course, the fact that males born male are going to be naturally higher performers at most sports, means that they aren't too bothered whether someone like me, would want to perform in the male category. Maybe I'd be better at some of the gymnastics events though, but probably not the bars :-)
Anyway, I can see their logic I suppose, and I can understand why the other way around, they have to put some restrictions in place. At least there are more and more signs that transgenders are being given more rights and our voice is being heard louder and louder. I think in professional sport, we are always going raise questions and maybe it does tend to be a little harder for trans-women than trans-men, but every sport, every situation and every person, are different of course.
I myself, enjoy playing a lot of different Sports and I have generally found that people accept me and its not a big issue but there have been times in the past where I've had my problems. I do feel lucky though that I can do the things I love without being subject to taunts or abuse. Skateboarding is one of my favourite pastimes although I can fit in pretty easily with my skating clad on. I enjoy playing soccer too, not really built for football so I stay clear of that but enjoy watching the games.
I was basically interested to see what other people felt about Sport and transgender discrimination based on their own experience. Have you found it easier than expected to participate or has it proved really hard? It's obviously a completely different thing when you're playing on the park, just with some understanding mates, like I tend to do, rather than participating, with, or in front of, people you don't know.
