Transsexual Olympians--this ought to make for a good discussion

[Aught Six]

IOC Clears Transsexuals for Competition

Now I've spoken up in here in favor of homosexual equality under the law. But...this one raised my eyebrow. Will a transsexual ever really be the opposite sex? The differences in hormones levels, while they can be shifted via drugs, can cause some major size discrepancies. Whether a former man has the muscle to fat ratio or air capacity of a women, height and skeletal structure themselves may give the transsexual an unfair advantage.

So let's hear your thoughts. If you want to go off about how this is such a gross moral abomination, fire away. But I'm really interested in hearing about the pros and cons from a sports perspective.

[PAhunter86]

The main problem I see is do they compete with the men or women?

[Aught Six]

The main problem I see is do they compete with the men or women?

That's the thing--a man who "changes" into a woman would compete with women.

[Jorgy]

Isn't this what the special olimpics are for?

I would have to say that a person born a man and later turned into what they think a woman is would get an unfair advantage if they competed against real woman. Now if your born a woman and turn yourself into a physdo man then I'm OK with them competing against real men.

This brings up a interesting question, what happens if your born a hermaphrodite, can you compete in both the male and female events?

[PAhunter86]

ORIGINAL: Aught Six

That's the thing--a man who "changes" into a woman would compete with women.

Maybe just have them compete based on their original gender??[&o]

[Aught Six]

Maybe just have them compete based on their original gender??

But that would "unfair", as the athlete in question would have the hormones of the opposite sex. Read the article; it points out exactly what the IOC is planning for this summer.

[Aught Six]

Isn't this what the special olimpics are for?

I would have to say that a person born a man and later turned into what they think a woman is would get an unfair advantage if they competed against real woman. Now if your born a woman and turn yourself into a physdo man then I'm OK with them competing against real men.

This brings up a interesting question, what happens if your born a hermaphrodite, can you compete in both the male and female events?

I'm not laughing right now; I'm just choking on a grain of pollen.

[gibblet]

ya'll remember when that pro tennis player changed his sex and played on the female tour... renee richards, couldn't win on the womens tour either. i suspect the same thing will happen here.

[vc1111]

I am all for this idea.

[8mm/06]

Women who "change" into men must compete as men...but they must also endure the rat-tail towel flicking in the men's locker room..that's a must

And men who change into women must compete as women...but they must wait in line to use the restroom .. like the rest of the ladies..and they must also endure the catfight backstabbing that takes place in the women's locker room, must sit to pee... Also, no shaving of their faces...

We'll see how long before they leave the competition...