Pro surfer Bethany Hamilton has announced her decision to boycott the World Surf League (WSL) following its adoption of a transgender policy that allows transgender women to compete in women’s events. Hamilton, who gained fame after surviving a shark attack, expressed her concerns about the fairness of the policy in a recent Instagram video.
Key Takeaways
- Bethany Hamilton will not compete in or support the WSL due to its transgender policy.
- The WSL’s policy aligns with the International Surfing Association’s guidelines on transgender participation.
- Hamilton questions the fairness of using testosterone levels as a criterion for eligibility.
- She suggests creating a separate division for transgender athletes to ensure fair competition.
Hamilton’s Concerns About the Policy
In her video, Hamilton raised several questions regarding the WSL’s policy, particularly the reliance on hormone levels to determine eligibility for women’s events. She asked:
- Is a hormone level an honest and accurate depiction of someone’s gender?
- How did the decision-makers conclude that 12 months of testosterone testing is sufficient for a fair transition?
Hamilton’s concerns reflect a broader debate surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in competitive sports, especially in women’s categories.
WSL’s Response to the Boycott
In response to Hamilton’s announcement, the WSL issued a statement explaining its rationale for adopting the International Surfing Association’s transgender policy. The league emphasized its commitment to balancing equity and fairness in competition, stating:
"As an Olympic sport, and with aspirations for all of WSL’s disciplines to be included in the Olympics, the WSL has adopted the ISA policy on transgender participation."
The WSL’s policy allows athletes assigned male at birth, who identify as women, to compete in women’s events if they maintain testosterone levels below a specified threshold for a continuous period of 12 months.
The Broader Context of Transgender Participation in Sports
The issue of transgender athletes competing in sports has become increasingly contentious, with various states in the U.S. proposing or enacting legislation that restricts transgender participation in school and collegiate sports. Proponents of such measures argue they are necessary for maintaining fairness in competition, while opponents view them as discriminatory against the LGBTQ community.
Hamilton’s Vision for Fair Competition
Hamilton, a devout Christian and a long-time competitor in the WSL, has suggested that a separate division for transgender athletes could provide a solution that allows all competitors to showcase their talents fairly. She stated:
"I personally think that the best solution would be to create a different division so that all can have a fair opportunity to showcase their passion and talent."
This proposal echoes sentiments expressed by other athletes and advocates who seek to find a balance between inclusivity and fairness in competitive sports.
Conclusion
Bethany Hamilton’s boycott of the WSL highlights the ongoing debate over transgender participation in sports, raising important questions about fairness, equity, and the future of competitive surfing. As the WSL continues to evaluate its policies, the conversation around these issues is likely to evolve, reflecting the complexities of gender identity in athletics.
