Transgender Competitor Reinstated in Women’s Longboard Surfing Event After Backlash
A Story of Inclusion and Fairness
Huntington Beach, California – In a reversal of its initial ruling, the American Longboard Association (ALA) has decided to allow transgender surfer Sasha Jane Lowerson to compete in the upcoming Huntington Beach Longboard Pro against women. This decision came after facing widespread backlash from surfers and advocates.
Initial Controversy
Todd Messick, founder of the ALA, had initially banned Lowerson from participating in the women’s division, citing concerns about fairness. However, he later expressed surprise and dismay at the intensity of the negative reactions he received.
“For me, I was trying to do the right thing,” Messick said. “I didn’t expect to deal with this.”
California Coastal Commission Mandate
The decision to reinstate Lowerson was influenced by California Coastal Commission regulations. According to the BBC, surf competitions in California waters “must be carried out in a lawful manner that does not discriminate based on gender.” Failure to comply could result in the event being shut down.
Lowerson’s Perspective and Criticism
Lowerson, who has won competitions against male surfers, was initially “disappointed and surprised” by the ban. She emphasized the importance of following rules fairly and consistently.
“You can’t cherry-pick the rulebook,” she said. “You use all of it.”
Lowerson’s inclusion in the event has garnered mixed reactions. Some surfers, including Bethany Hamilton, have expressed concerns about the potential competitive advantage that transgender athletes may have over cisgender female athletes. However, others have welcomed the move towards inclusivity.
Surfing Community’s Response
Messick indicated that the majority of female surfers he has spoken with support Hamilton’s position, but that many have remained silent due to the sensitive nature of the topic.
WSL’s Transgender Athlete Policy
The reversal in the Huntington Beach competition follows a recent debate within the World Surf League (WSL) over the inclusion of transgender athletes in the women’s division. The WSL currently requires transgender female athletes to maintain a testosterone level of 5 nmol/L for at least a year in order to participate.
Despite this policy, Hamilton has advocated for the creation of a separate division for transgender athletes, arguing that it would safeguard fairness while still promoting inclusion.
Conclusion
The decision to reinstate Lowerson has highlighted the complex and evolving discussion surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. As the issue continues to be debated, it is likely that more organizations will face similar challenges in balancing fairness, inclusion, and adherence to regulations.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
