Teen Runners Sue To Block Trans Athletes From Girls’ Sport
In Connecticut, three teen runners and their families have filed a federal lawsuit to block trans athletes from participating in girls’ sport.
The three teenagers argue that allowing trans athletes to compete has deprived them of scholarship opportunities.
“Mentally and physically, we know the outcome before the race even starts,” said Allana Smith, one of the three girls who is also the daughter of the former Major League pitcher Lee Smith. “That biological unfairness doesn’t go away because of what someone believes about gender identity. All girls deserve the chance to compete on a level playing field.”
As ‘The Guardian’ writes, the lawsuit centers on two trans sprinters, Terry Miller and Andrea Yearwood who have continuously outgunned their cisgender competitors. They both issued statements defending their rights to tun in girls’ events.
“I have faced discrimination in every aspect of my life and I no longer want to remain silent,” Miller said. “I am a girl and I am a runner. I participate in athletics just like my peers to excel, find community, and meaning in my life. It is both unfair and painful that my victories have to be attacked and my hard work ignored.”
^ Terry Miller and Andrea Yearwood competing
Yearwood said “I will never stop being me! I will never stop running! I hope that the next generation of trans youth doesn’t have to fight the fights that I have. I hope they can be celebrated when they succeed not demonized. For the next generation, I run for you!”
The lawsuit was filed against the Connecticut Association of Schools-Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference and the boards of education in Bloomfield, Cromwell, Glastonbury, Canton and Danbury.
Read related myGwork articles here:
Tennessee Bill Would Force Schools To Discriminate Against Trans Athletes
Canada To Allow Trans Student Athletes to Compete on Teams Aligning with Gender Identity
Gabby Logan Says Women’s Sports Need to Be “Protected” From Trans Athletes
Trans Woman Wins the 2018 UCI Masters Track Cycling World Championships
USA Powerlifting to Continue Ban on Trans Athletes
Keep up to date with the latest myGnews
