Stuck on the Sidelines

Notice that the world is so fascinated with Keelin’s ability to participate.  He’s someone who disregards the expectations of bodies that fit into “men” and “women” competitors and defines them for himself, though he does so under Olympic guidelines which mandates that he participates as female. Is the media more concerned about the fact that suddenly the gendered competitive landscape has shifted or is it more concerned that the rules have just been reinterpreted to allow a new type of athlete to compete?

Are trans masculine folks more likely to participate in sports than trans feminine?  Is the media focusing on his participation because it brings up the history of female athletes transitioning towards male, and how this may deter parents from allowing their daughters to compete, because it will “turn them into men?”  How does this translate into the stereotypical linkages between lesbian identified, female athletes?  How does this reflect lesbian/dyke community?  Does it feel threatened by this FTM visibility as many have been in the past?  

So many important questions.  Let’s talk about it!

ryansallans:

I know some people will be critical of this article and Keelin who was born assigned female, but identifies as male (just has not undergone any medical treatments for his transition yet), due to the fact that he identifies as male but will be trying out for the Olympics as female. 

I am NOT critical of him, but hopeful. The truth of the matter is, this is something he has worked long and hard toward, AND due to current policies the Olympics currently would not allow him to try out as a male. He has put his transition on hold to work toward his dream and I commend him for that. I wish him luck as he competes and hope that he goes down in our history books as the first transgender male to compete in the Olympics. 

In fact, if someone has something negative to say, you can keep it to yourself on this one.

Click on the header to read the article. 

-Ryan