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Athlete’s opinion: Transgender athletes aren’t the problem, transphobia is
Athlete Joanna Hoffman has slammed Boris Johnson’s discriminatory transgender comments, saying ‘they’re dangerous and misinformed’
United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently spoke out about transgender women in sports saying he doesn’t think biological males should be competing in female sports.
However, this has added more fuel to the fire, with many labeling the comments disturbing and divisive.
The controversial comments come after transgender cyclist Emily Bridges was disqualified from competing in the United Kingdom’s national championships.
Bridges claims she was ‘harassed and demonised’ after the governing body ruled she was ineligible to compete.
Bridges says she has been undertaking hormone therapy for the past year, which should have legitimised her to compete.
Joanna Hoffman is a runner herself and says Johnson’s comments are dangerous and misinformed.
‘Boris Johnson is not an expert on transgender athlete participation. His words are dangerous, misinformed and they also come at the expense of transgender people’s safety and wellbeing’
Joanna hoffman- athlete ally
Mental health crisis
Often running or fitness in any form is an avenue for people’s mental health and wellbeing.
There are concerns if Governments and schools take this avenue away from trans people then it will negatively impact their mental and physical wellbeing.
Access to sports teaches invaluable lifelong lessons… It is a powerful force, not only for physical health but also to decrease depression, anxiety and suicidality.’
joanna hoffman- athlete ally
