She Thought It Was a Fair Match… Until He Took Over!

A recent poll conducted by The New York Times and Ipsos reveals that nearly 80% of Americans do not support transgender-identifying men competing in women’s sports. The survey, which included an almost equal number of Republicans and Democrats, highlights a growing consensus on the issue.

When asked if “transgender female athletes – meaning athletes who were male at birth but who currently identify as female – should or should not be allowed to compete in women’s sports,” 79% of respondents said they “should not.” This marks a notable increase from a 2023 poll by The Center Square, which found that 67% of Americans opposed the idea.

Breaking the results down by political affiliation, 94% of Republicans, 67% of Democrats, and 64% of Independents or those identifying as “something else” said that men should not compete in women’s sports. The highest support for allowing transgender women to participate in female sports came from Democrats, with 31% backing inclusion.

The poll results were released shortly before former President Donald Trump made a statement asserting that there are only two sexes: male and female. The survey was conducted between January 2 and January 11.

Mallory Newall, vice president for public affairs at Ipsos, commented on the poll’s findings, stating that the organization cannot speculate on how respondents interpreted the question beyond its direct wording.

A Growing Debate in Sports

The issue of transgender participation in women’s sports has sparked national debate, particularly following high-profile incidents where female athletes faced injuries or lost opportunities to male-born competitors. One such case involved high school volleyball player Payton McNabb, who suffered an injury after competing against a transgender athlete. Similarly, former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines has become a vocal advocate for preserving women-only sports after tying for second place against a transgender swimmer.

Beth Parlato, senior legal advisor for the Independent Women’s Forum, emphasized the importance of protecting women’s sports. “Without female-only athletics, the safety of girls and women is endangered, and men will dominate the playing field, which unfairly takes away awards, opportunities, scholarships, and roster spots.”

The Independent Women’s Forum, a nonprofit organization advocating for policies that enhance individual freedom and opportunity, has taken a strong stance against transgender women competing in female sports.

Biology and Fairness in Competition

Parlato further stressed that “males and females possess unique and immutable biological differences.” She pointed out that, on average, “males have biological athletic advantages over females, as the average male is stronger, bigger, and faster.”

She also raised concerns about privacy and safety, stating, “allowing males in female-only spaces is an invasion of a women’s right to privacy and threatens women’s safety and well-being.”

The legal implications of defining sex in sports and policies are also crucial, she argued. “Defining sex-based terms in law and policy is essential to protect women’s sports and spaces,” Parlato said.

In support of these views, Trump recently signed an executive order recognizing two sexes—male and female—and taking steps to reinforce gender distinctions in legal and policy frameworks. Parlato believes this move “provides needed clarity to preserve the legal existence of women as distinct from men.” She added that further protections must be put in place, stating, “Protect women’s sports bills at both the federal and state levels must be codified into law to ensure equal athletic opportunities for women and girls.”

Americans Oppose Gender-Transition Treatments for Minors

Beyond sports, the poll also found that a majority of Americans disapprove of providing puberty blockers or hormone therapy to minors. When asked if doctors should be allowed to prescribe such treatments to individuals aged 10 to 18, 71% of respondents said no.

This finding aligns with Trump’s recent executive order restricting transgender medical treatments for minors, reinforcing a broader national debate on the rights and medical decisions involving young people.

The survey included responses from 2,128 American adults, with 1,022 identifying as Republican or leaning Republican, 1,025 as Democrat or leaning Democrat, and 81 as Independents or another affiliation.

As discussions on gender and sports continue, it’s clear that public opinion is shifting, with increasing support for maintaining women’s sports as a protected category.