California girl opens up on fighting legal and political battle over trans athletes after life-changing pain

​In recent months, California has become a focal point in the national debate over the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Several female athletes have voiced concerns, leading to legal and political battles that have garnered significant attention.​

High School Cross-Country Controversy

At Martin Luther King High School in Riverside, 16-year-old cross-country runner Kylie Morrow publicly addressed her school board regarding a transgender athlete’s participation on the varsity team. Morrow highlighted that this athlete’s inclusion displaced a teammate who had met all eligibility requirements. In protest, some team members wore “Save Girls Sports” T-shirts, which school officials controversially compared to swastikas, intensifying tensions within the school community. ​

Legal Actions and Safety Concerns

In response to these events, two female student-athletes filed a lawsuit against the Riverside Unified School District, alleging Title IX violations. They claimed that their transgender teammate received preferential treatment despite not attending practices, while they faced demotion despite their commitment. Their protest, involving the aforementioned T-shirts, was met with administrative pushback, further fueling the debate over fairness and safety in women’s sports. ​

Collegiate Level Disputes

The controversy extends to higher education institutions as well. At San Jose State University, women’s volleyball team captain Brooke Slusser and other players filed a lawsuit demanding the removal of a transgender teammate from the roster. They expressed concerns over safety and fairness, noting the transgender athlete’s significantly powerful spikes during practice. Despite these concerns, a judge denied the request to sideline the player, allowing her to continue participating in the Mountain West Conference tournament. ​

Legislative Responses

These incidents have prompted political action. California lawmakers introduced bills aiming to restrict transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports. Assemblymember Kate Sanchez proposed the Protect Girls’ Sports Act, emphasizing the need for fair competition. However, these legislative efforts have faced opposition and have been rejected in committee hearings, reflecting the complex and polarized nature of the issue.

Personal Impact on Athletes

The inclusion of transgender athletes has had profound personal impacts on some cisgender female athletes. For instance, a high school track athlete testified that her aspirations were hindered by competing against a transgender teammate, stating, “It feels wrong. I don’t understand how my hard work, my dedication… can be rendered meaningless.”

These developments underscore the ongoing debate surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports, highlighting the challenges of balancing inclusivity with fairness and safety. As legal and political battles continue, the experiences of affected athletes remain central to the discourse.