Transphobia or Women’s Empowerment? World Athletics Bans Trans Women From Female Events

World Athletics has banned transgender women who have experienced male puberty from competing in women’s events as of March 31. World Athletics had consulted with stakeholders, comprising the International Olympic Committee, 40 national federations, and trans groups, to discuss issues pertaining to the participation of transgender women in the female category.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe explained in a press conference that the decision was made due to “the overarching need to protect the female category.”

In addition to this, the council also voted to tighten restrictions on athletes with Differences in sexual development (DSD). As per the new restrictions, the maximum amount of plasma testosterone for athletes will be reduced to 2.5 nanomoles per litre from five nanomoles per litre.

World Athletics would institute a working group headed by a transgender person to evaluate the inclusion of transgender women. The working group will consist of two athletes from the Athletes Commission, a transgender athlete from athletics, three representatives of non-member federations and World Athletics Health and Science Department representatives.