Is it fair to let transgender female athletes – those who were assigned male at birth but identify as female – compete in women’s sports? Some have argued that transgender female athletes have unfair advantages, such as speed and size, over cisgender women, or those assigned female at birth. But what does the science say? Listen to a pioneering research scientist discuss the impact of hormones on athletic performance and how women’s sports can become more inclusive.
Story Length: 4:50
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May 13, 2021
4:56
Dr. Rachel Levine has become the first openly transgender U.S. federal official. She was confirmed as assistant secretary of health around the same time that many states were passing restrictive laws targeting transgender youth. She hopes her position will help educate Americans, and dispel any fears they may have, about LGBTQ people. Listen to an interview with Dr. Levine to learn about the challenges trans people face and how her appointment could help change attitudes.
Read MoreJuly 31, 2019
2:34
When the U.S. women’s national soccer team won the 2019 World Cup, they paraded down the streets of New York City while people tossed confetti to celebrate. This type of ticker-tape parade has been happening for over a hundred years, but this particular event was especially significant for women in America. Listen to find out what made this parade both traditional and unique.
Read MoreMay 31, 2019
5:35
Caster Semenya, who has dominated in the 800-meter dash for the last few years has received difficult news about her career. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has decided that women like her with naturally high levels of testosterone cannot compete in certain track and field events unless they medically reduce those levels. Listen to the story to hear more about this case and debate: Should naturally high levels of testosterone disqualify female athletes?
Read MoreMay 24, 2016
4:20
The White House, along with the departments of Justice and Education, say schools must let transgender students use the bathroom they identify with. Conservative leaders in Texas responded by denouncing it. They see this directive as divisive, unsafe, and immoral. Others call this a big step for civil rights and applaud the anti-discrimination policy. In Texas, the Fort Worth school superintendent announced their public schools would accommodate transgender students. That led to Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, calling for the superintendent’s removal. Listen to hear more about how politics and public school bathrooms are related.
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