Transgender Athletes Make History at the Olympics
Laurel Hubbard Becomes First Transgender Athlete to Compete at the Olympics
Laurel Hubbard, a 43-year-old weight lifter from New Zealand, has become the first ever transgender athlete to compete at an Olympics. Hubbard, who transitioned in her 30s, will compete in the women's heavyweight competition at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Quinn Makes History as First Openly Transgender Athlete to Participate in the Olympics
Quinn, a midfielder on the Canadian women's soccer team who identifies as nonbinary, made history as the first openly transgender athlete to participate in the Olympics. Quinn started in Canada's 1-1 draw with Japan in the team's opening match of the tournament.
Prior to the Olympics, Quinn had spoken out about the importance of visibility for transgender athletes. In an interview with Outsports, Quinn said, "I think it's important for people to see that trans people are just like everyone else. We're capable of anything that anyone else is capable of."
Hubbard's Selection Sparks Controversy
Hubbard's selection to the New Zealand Olympic team has sparked controversy, with some critics arguing that she has an unfair advantage over other competitors due to her size and strength. However, Hubbard has met all of the International Olympic Committee's requirements for transgender athletes, which include undergoing hormone therapy for at least one year.
Hubbard has also received support from many within the Olympic community, including the New Zealand Olympic Committee, which said in a statement that "Laurel has met the IWF criteria to compete in the female category and we support her selection for the New Zealand Team."
Transgender Athletes Face Barriers
Despite the progress made by Hubbard and Quinn, transgender athletes still face significant barriers to participation in sports. In many countries, transgender athletes are excluded from competing in sports altogether, or they are forced to compete in the category that corresponds with their sex assigned at birth, which can be discriminatory and unfair.
The inclusion of transgender athletes in the Olympics is an important step forward for equality in sports. It sends a message that transgender athletes are welcome and valued, and that they have the right to compete fairly and safely.
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