Martina Navratilova is a fierce opponent of allowing trans women to compete with cis women and she's not happy about the Australian Open allowing that.
There has been a lot of talk recently about the inclusion of trans athletes into sports and the implications it might have. The more pressing issue with regard to that is the inclusion of trans women in women's sports with many arguing against it. The reason is simple - basic biology. Trans women were born biological men before transitioning and though the body changes during the transition, not all changes.
Size and athletic ability for one doesn't change and many like Navratilova feel that would be a competitive advantage over cis women. In a recent interview Australian Open Director Craig Tiley hinted that the Australian Open would be willing to allow trans athletes to compete at the event in the future:
“When it comes to professional tennis, we’ve got to be responsive to the international tennis federations. They set the guidelines and the policy on it. But you know, as a sport, we’ve made our position pretty clear … and we are supportive [of transgender inclusion]."
Martina Navratilova, who spoke about this issue in the past affirming a firm stance against it, once again chimed in on Twitter after reading the news. She once again put forward her opinion which many who argue for inclusivity could describe as controversial but she's not backing down. She described the move as 'taking away sports from biological females:
“Oh boy. This is not a good idea at all. Trans athletes are included in sports- in the biological category, not in their chosen category. By including trans-identified males in female sports, spots for biological females are taken away. I am not ok with that."
Her tweet refused to call them trans women which for many is transphobic.
By including trans identified males in female category, biological females lose a spot. It’s that simple.Seems to me Craig Tilley doesn’t understand that concept.
"We're trying to influence the decision now. We're an organisation that believes in inclusivity & equality." Tennis Australia CEO @CraigTiley calls for the Women's Tennis Assn @WTA & @ITFTennis to let trans athletes to compete in elite women's tennis. @FondOfBeetles…
