The transsporting life
In the same interview in which he announced his surgical diminution
, Elliot Page objected to bans on transgender girls playing in girls' sports. (snowflake)
Page also used the interview to criticise moves by some US states banning transgender athletes from competing in girls sports teams. "If you're not gonna allow trans kids to play sports, children will die," Page said. "And it really is that simple."
It's not clear, at least from the BBC's report, whether Page attempts to substantiate his claim, or whether he's just blowing it out of his arse. It sounds no more than a hyperbolic soundbite to me, and perhaps that's good enough for Oprah Winfrey. It's not as if I'm going to take up an Apple TV+ subscription, or squirm through an Oprah interview, to find out though.
The issue of transgender women competing against natural-born women is controversial and polarising. Most recently, however, Republican candidate for California governor; transgender woman; and ex-Olympic decathlon gold medallist, Caitlyn Jenner came out in opposition.
"This is a question of fairness," she said. "That's why I oppose biological boys who are trans competing in girls' sports in school. It just isn't fair. And we have to protect girls' sports in our schools."
The difference between Jenner and Page is that Jenner is a retired athlete, who successfully competed at the very highest level of sport. She transitioned from a male athlete to a woman, of sorts, and therefore has personal insight into the physiological advantages of pre-transition male development and training. She speaks from knowledge and experience; she's been there, done that, worn the bloody T-shirt. Her views, therefore, are meaningful and command some respect.
Page, on the other hand, is a joke. His opinions come from a parochial, precious viewpoint that reflect his own limited experience and self-struggle, rather than from considering the interests of the wider community. He seems to think that his pontifications are meaningful beyond his little echo chamber. What Page and his fellow activists lose sight of is that, by demanding recognition as being different and special, but at the same time expecting society to conform to their sense of normality and belonging, they alienate themselves further.
And he doesn't look like he's done a day's sport in his life.