Many people have probably heard of the situation regarding Lia Thomas.  Lia Thomas, a transgender athlete, recently competed in the NCAA women’s swimming and diving championship.  Some people consider the situation an “unfair advantage.”  Lia Thomas went from ranking 554th in the male freestyle all division, to being one of the top ranked swimmers in the women’s competition.  You might see why this could be a controversial situation.  Sexuality and beliefs have changed over time.  We have become more broadly tolerant as a society with these beliefs, so why is this still a controversial topic?

The people in support of Lia Thomas argue that she was following the rules set up by the NCAA for transgender athletes which is a correct statement.  The transgender athlete has to be on a testosterone suppressant for at least a year.  She fulfilled that and was able to compete as a member of the women’s program.  Another statement from Lia’s fans is that she’s skilled.  Some have said that this wouldn’t be as big of an issue as it is if she wasn’t taking titles and winning.  An article from AP News states, “Champions are rare.  You have to be very, very good at what you do to win a championship.  I don’t think a trans person being successful is anything other than a reason to celebrate.”  A fellow peer of mine agrees, saying, “She’s been swimming since she was five, and I think the way her competitors have acted is poor sportsmanship.  She is skilled, and trans.  The two attributes can coexist.”

An opposing argument to this states that this is not biologically fair.  AP News says again, “She didn’t go from being 500th as a male to 500th as a female.  She went from not being able to even qualify for the NCAAs as a male to being a national champion as a female.  That’s not fair.”  Someone else that I was speaking with about the situation also agreed and said, “I think you should compete with the group with the same genitalia you have at birth.”  A second common argument coming from the opposing side is the face that Thomas took placements and titles away from women who were biologically women competing in this competition.  Reka Gyorgy, former Olympic swimmer, felt as if she had lost her spot to Lei Thomas after she beat her in the 500 meter free swim.  Gyorgy says that Thomas took her final chance to compete in a college meet.

There are always two sides to every story and I think it’s important for everyone to remember that.  Everyone has their own opinion and is entitled to it.  In today’s society, we are more used to the different sexualities people identify as.  It’s become normal and accepted so why do you think this certain situation is more controversial than others?