Trans athletes turning women’s sports into civil rights issue

The protection of girls in women’s sports is the preeminent civil rights issue of our day.

Recent events, such as a male runner winning the girls’ 400-meter dash at the Washington state championships, highlight the urgent need to address this issue for current and future generations of female athletes.

Instances like Lauren Matthew losing a title to a mediocre male claiming to be female reflect a growing trend that raises questions about fairness in sports.

Girls like Aster Jones in Oregon who lost to a male runner in the girls’ 200-meter race deserve to be recognized as the rightful champions in their states.

Despite feeling disparaged and belittled, female athletes valiantly stood on the podium and supported each other.

Personal experiences, like competing against a male swimmer named Lia Thomas, have shown how acknowledging biological differences is not sexist but essential for fairness in sports.

Young girls deserve the opportunity to compete on an equal playing field without having to go up against athletes who possess significant physical advantages.

Protecting the sex-based rights of all athletes, as guaranteed by federal law Title IX, is crucial for ensuring fairness and integrity in women’s sports.

Founded by Riley Gaines, the Riley Gaines Center at the Leadership Institute empowers young women to advocate for fairness and integrity in women’s sports.

This issue goes beyond athletics and relates to broader societal values in recognizing and respecting the unique experiences and attributes of women.

It’s time for a generation of brave girls to stand up and say no to competing against boys, ensuring that the next generation of female athletes can compete with dignity and equal opportunities for success.

Riley Gaines, a 12-time All-American swimmer and five-time SEC champion, is founder and director of the Riley Gaines Center at the Leadership Institute.