Transgender: death of women’s sport?

There is an ongoing conversation about how transgender athletes might take part in women’s sport.

Recently in the UK, this has focused on Emily Bridges, a cyclist who a few weeks ago was racing as a man, and now seeks to race in women’s competitions. Whilst in cycling the question is around fairness, in other sports, such as rugby, the issue of safety also comes into play.

When asked about the challenge of transgender women in sport, World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said: ‘I think that the integrity of women’s sport – if we don’t get this right – and actually the future of women’s sport, is very fragile.’

It would be almost impossible for biological women to qualify for elite events in most sports in this situation (studies show a 10–12% difference in performance). Yet, as Sebastian Coe indicates, if any person, regardless of their birth sex, could compete in any sport they chose, this would result in the death of women’s sport.

Other sporting and cultural commentators have been saying the same. They all have noticed that we see a clear distinction between men and women in sport. They’re acknowledging the fixed nature of biological sex without realising the source of that absolute. Christianity can rightly point back to the Creator, who says that sex is fixed and not fluid.

How can those involved in sport respond?

The Christian sportsperson needs to be able to fully hold to their convictions and be able to show compassion to those who are suffering with gender dysphoria.

Whilst looking at the bigger cultural conversation, it is essential not to lose sight of the individuals involved and the agonies they face, both those struggling with gender dysphoria and those competing against them. Emily Bridges has spoken openly of how it has affected her mental health. For those competing against transgender athletes, there is the pain of training for years to be beaten by a biological man and the fear of being cancelled if they speak out.

As Christians who worship a suffering Saviour, we are uniquely equipped to handle suffering well and help others do the same. We can do this out of a position of humility, recognising our brokenness in all things, including our sexuality.

This Biblical perspective leads to the call to love our neighbours as ourselves. We can walk alongside others and ultimately, in love, point them to the one who knows all about us and still loves us. The Christians competing in a sport with perceived unfairness can return to this as they wrestle with the ongoing debate.

Whilst doing this, the Christian can stand for truth, knowing that God’s word alone brings life. Our culture says that to disagree with someone’s convictions around identity is to say you either fear or hate them. This makes sense if we live in a world defined by expressive individualism which says you are what you feel.

However, for Christians involved in sport we need to remember that to love someone does not mean we need to affirm everything someone stands for. To show compassion does not mean we need to share the same convictions as those we compete with or against. Paul calls us to speak the truth in love. For the Christian, love does not battle against truth – love works through truth.

Jesus wonderfully demonstrated this life of love and truth. He spent time with those society marginalised and loved them deeply, but He did that whilst speaking truth in love and with compassion. We need God’s help to navigate these questions wisely. We need His help to keep making us more like His Son, Jesus, who lived a life of compassion and conviction perfectly.