10/18 Maggie Robbins: Living nonbinary in a binary sports world

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The article is about the experiences and challenges of nonbinary athletes in a sports world that is divided by sex and gender. It focuses on the story of Layshia Clarendon, a WNBA player who identifies as nonbinary and had top surgery to remove their breasts. The article explores how Clarendon navigated the decision to have surgery, how they received support from the WNBA and their union, and how they hope to inspire other nonbinary athletes to be themselves. The article also features other nonbinary athletes, such as Quinn, a soccer player who won an Olympic gold medal with Canada, and Rach McBride, a triathlete who competes in the professional men’s category. The article discusses the lack of visibility and representation of nonbinary athletes in the media and the sports industry, as well as the barriers and discrimination they face from sports policies, rules, and regulations that are based on binary assumptions. The article argues that nonbinary athletes deserve recognition and respect for their identities and achievements and that they challenge the rigid and outdated notions of sex and gender in sports. The article is written by Britni de la Cretaz, a journalist who covers sports and gender issues. You can read the full article here: Living Nonbinary in a Binary Sports World.

Outside Example

Boston Marathon Runs Inaugural Nonbinary Division In 2023 | POPSUGAR Fitness

The 2023 Boston Marathon was the first time non-binary runners were allowed to officially register in a division that matched their gender, instead of having to choose between the men or women division. This is a huge step for the inclusion and recognition of non-binary people in the running community. When creating the non-binary division in 2023 27 non-binary athletes ran. The non-binary runners expressed their pride and gratitude for being able to run the Boston Marathon in a way that affirmed their identity and celebrated their achievements.

AI Conversation

Q: Compare and contrast the Popsugar article by Sara youngblood and the article by Britni de la Cretaz?

A:

The POPSUGAR article by Sara Youngblood Gregory and the article by Britni de la Cretaz are both about nonbinary athletes in the sports world, but they have some differences in their scope, focus, and tone. Here are some points of comparison and contrast:

• The POPSUGAR article is a news report that covers the inaugural nonbinary division in the 2023 Boston Marathon. It focuses on the stories and achievements of some of the 27 nonbinary runners who participated in the historic event, such as Kae Ravichandran, Cal Calamia, and Matthew Powers. It also mentions some of the challenges and discrimination that nonbinary athletes face in the sports world, as well as the importance of visibility and representation for them. The article is written in a factual and informative tone, with quotes from the runners and the organizers.
• The article by Britni de la Cretaz is a feature story that explores the experiences and challenges of nonbinary athletes in a sports world that is divided by sex and gender. It focuses on the story of Layshia Clarendon, a WNBA player who identifies as nonbinary and had top surgery to remove their breasts. The article also features other nonbinary athletes, such as Quinn, a soccer player who won an Olympic gold medal with Canada, and Rach McBride, a triathlete who competes in the professional men’s category. The article is written in a narrative and empathetic tone, with personal details and insights from the athletes and the author.
• Both articles celebrate the historic and groundbreaking nature of the nonbinary division in the Boston Marathon, but they have different perspectives on it. The POPSUGAR article presents it as a heartening win amidst unprecedented anti-trans legislation and sanctions in several states and sports organizations. The article by Britni de la Cretaz presents it as a challenge to the rigid and outdated notions of sex and gender in sports, and a call for more recognition and respect for nonbinary athletes.
• Both articles acknowledge the lack of visibility and representation of nonbinary athletes in the media and the sports industry, but they have different approaches to it. The POPSUGAR article includes a note explaining why they use they/them pronouns to refer to the nonbinary runners, and provides links to their social media accounts. The article by Britni de la Cretaz does not include such a note or links, but instead uses descriptive language and imagery to portray the nonbinary athletes as complex and diverse individuals.

Q: Why is it important for non-binary athletes to have their own competitions?

A:

It is important for nonbinary athletes to have their own competitions because they often face challenges and discrimination in the binary world of sports. Some of the reasons are:

• Nonbinary athletes do not fit into the rigid categories of men and women that most sports are divided by. They may identify as neither, both, or something else entirely. This can make them feel excluded, isolated, or uncomfortable in sports that force them to choose one or the other.
• Nonbinary athletes may experience microaggressions, misgendering, harassment, or violence from other athletes, coaches, officials, fans, or media. They may also face barriers and restrictions from sports policies, rules, and regulations that are based on binary assumptions about sex and gender. For example, some sports organizations require transgender nonbinary athletes to undergo hormone therapy or other treatments to compete in their chosen gender identity¹.
• Nonbinary athletes lack visibility and representation in the media and the sports industry. They are often ignored, erased, or stereotyped by the dominant narratives and discourses about sports. They may also struggle to find role models, mentors, or peers who share their experiences and identities.
• Nonbinary athletes deserve recognition and respect for their identities and achievements. They have the right to participate in sports that affirm their gender expression and celebrate their diversity. They also have the potential to challenge the outdated and harmful notions of sex and gender in sports, and to inspire other nonbinary people to be themselves.

Therefore, having their own competitions can provide nonbinary athletes with a safe, supportive, and inclusive space where they can enjoy sports without fear or pressure. It can also create more opportunities for them to showcase their talents, skills, and passions, and to contribute to the advancement and innovation of sports.

Q: Is it fair for non-binary males presenting to compete against non-binary women presenting in sports?

A:

That is a complex and controversial question that does not have a simple or definitive answer. There are many factors and perspectives to consider when discussing the fairness of nonbinary male presenting and nonbinary female presenting competing against each other in sports. Some of them are:

• The definition and diversity of nonbinary identities. Nonbinary people are those who do not identify as exclusively male or female, but they may have different ways of expressing their gender identity and experience. Some nonbinary people may use they/them pronouns, while others may use he/him, she/her, or other pronouns. Some nonbinary people may undergo medical interventions, such as hormone therapy or surgery, to align their body with their gender identity, while others may not. Some nonbinary people may identify more with one gender than the other, while others may fluctuate or reject any gender labels. Therefore, it is not possible to generalize or categorize nonbinary people into a homogeneous group based on their gender identity alone.
• The role and relevance of sex and gender in sports performance. Sex and gender are often used interchangeably in sports, but they are not the same thing. Sex refers to the biological characteristics of a person, such as chromosomes, hormones, and anatomy, while gender refers to the social and cultural aspects of being male, female, or nonbinary. Sex and gender can influence sports performance in different ways, depending on the type, level, and context of the sport. For example, some sports may require more strength, speed, or endurance, which may be affected by sex-related factors such as muscle mass, bone density, or oxygen uptake. Other sports may require more skill, strategy, or creativity, which may be affected by gender-related factors such as socialization, stereotypes, or expectations. However, sex and gender are not the only determinants of sports performance. There are also other factors such as training, nutrition, motivation, genetics, environment, and individual variation that can make a difference.
• The purpose and value of sports participation. Sports can have different meanings and benefits for different people. Some people may participate in sports for fun, recreation, health, or socialization. Others may participate in sports for competition, achievement, recognition, or reward. Some people may participate in sports for personal expression, identity affirmation, or empowerment. Others may participate in sports for political activism, social change, or human rights. The purpose and value of sports participation can affect how people view the fairness of nonbinary male presenting and nonbinary female presenting competing against each other in sports. For example, some people may prioritize the inclusion and diversity of nonbinary athletes in sports over the outcome and performance of the competition. Others may prioritize the integrity and meritocracy of sports over the identity and expression of the athletes.
• The challenges and opportunities of nonbinary inclusion in sports. Nonbinary athletes face many challenges and discrimination in the binary world of sports. They may experience microaggressions,