Caitlyn Jenner doubles down on opposition to trans women in sports (Michael Tran/AFP via Getty Images)
Trans Olympian Caitlyn Jenner has doubled down on her opposition to trans women taking part in sports, stating that “we have to protect women’s sports”.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Jenner, who has competed in women’s professional golf, said trans women and girls should not play for women’s teams, and asserted that she believes in strict binary sex.
“I don’t think biological boys should compete in women’s sports – we have to protect women’s sports… that’s the bottom line”, Jenner, 72, said.
“I don’t see how you can be happy beating other girls under these circumstances. You have to have a sense of personal responsibility. You can still enjoy sports but not play at a competitive level, right?”
Caitlyn Jenner’s comments were directed to trans student swimmer Lia Thomas in the interview, who was recently profiled in Sports Illustrated after a streak of wins in university tournaments.
Thomas, 22, said in the interview: “I just want to show trans kids and younger trans athletes that they’re not alone… they don’t have to choose between who they are and the sport they love.”
I’ve said from the beginning, biological boys should not compete against biological girls…this Woke world we’re living in right now isn’t working.
— Caitlyn Jenner (@Caitlyn_Jenner) January 19, 2022
Jenner also railed against “cancel culture” in the interview, criticising the Brit Awards’ move to create gender-neutral award categories.
“That’s cancel culture at its worst. Why does everything have to be gender neutral – why can’t we just leave things alone?” Jenner said.
“Things are getting out of control. There are all these different genders. It’s too complicated and it’s taking over the world.
“I went through a change, and I have no problem being referred to as a trans woman and using all the female pronouns… the bottom line is there’s male and female, right?”
Caitlyn Jenner’s comments come as lawmakers across the United States are legislating to stop trans students taking part in sports at school.
In October 2021, Texas became the tenth state to enact legislation banning trans athletes from playing on school sports teams that align with their gender identities.
Amit Paley, CEO and executive director of The Trevor Project, said on the bill’s passing: “Transgender and non-binary youth are already at higher risk for poor mental health and suicide because of bullying, discrimination and rejection.
“To every trans Texan who may be feeling hurt and attacked by this legislation and months of ugly political debate – please know that you are valid, and you are deserving of equal opportunity, dignity and respect.”