As the saying goes, ‘You can’t have your cake and eat it, too’ – or maybe you can?
On Saturday, transwoman Austin Killips took first place in a key professional cycling race across the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. Killips certainly has a leg up, being that “she” was born a man. Killips has been dominating the cycling game as of late, taking home the unfair victory at the major “Tour of Gila” last month.
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You can imagine the disappointment and frustration, not just of Onweller but the other female athletes. Onweller, however, takes a different approach than your typical right-winger.
Onweller says transgenders have rights, so why not have their own league? Essentially, one can expand Title IX (which guarantees sports leagues for women) to the trans community.
Women’s sports typically garner 10% of the viewership compared to male sports. Trans sports would probably get around 1% or so, but hey, why not just let the market decide? Just because there’s a new league, that doesn’t mean it has to receive millions of dollars in funding.
“For those following women’s road cycling, you are aware of the Union Cyclists International rule that this is currently allowed. Rather than sharing my personal opinions about the UCI rule, I think it’s most important to recognize that all athletes, no matter how they identify, should have a space to compete and race,” Onweller said.
One can respect trans people and their journey, but also understand that logically and biologically, there is a disadvantage to a biological man competing against biological women.
“Additionally, underneath all helmets is a face and a person who deserves respect, dignity and a safe space to ride bikes.” Onweller adds, “In the future, I feel a separate category is appropriate, but event promoters are also learning what is best to preserve both female cycling while also creating an inclusive space for all to ride. These things take both time and grace to resolve.”
However, Onweller said she’ll be participating in the sport in the future as all this gets resolved. Perhaps a polite boycott might have made more waves.
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