This had the potential to be a great episode, and I loved hearing Ember's story, but I think the framing of it misses the mark, unfortunately. By looking at this story as "trans people aren't dominating, so why are politicians so concerned", you're actually giving credence to the anti-trans viewpoint. Because the implication is that if they were dominating, then these bans would make more sense. This is purely a human rights issue; women should be able to play women's sports, regardless of how well or poorly they perform.
Furthermore, your closing notes about how "testosterone" is a meaningful consideration and should be used to determine who can participate also is a first step to the anti-trans viewpoint. Trans women are women, full stop. At the absolute elite levels, sure, put in some timing requirements (must have been transitioned for at least X years under some medical and psychological definitions), but once you introduce hormone testing or anything like it, you start legislating "what is a woman".
I really do think this episode was done with all the right intentions, but allowing these talking points to be taken seriously is how we've gotten this far already.
I hear you. Completely. But this episode was framed that way deliberately: people need to understand that the epidemic of trans girls dominating sports is a lie. Ceding or ignoring that factual ground because of a larger (and, sadly, unpopular) principle about who deserves to play is a huge part of why the larger conversation refuses to budge. If we ignore competitive advantage as the most persuasive counterargument, it becomes that much more persuasive. To the point of 23+ states passing laws that ban trans girls who are willing to play by reasonable rules. And who are, like the vast majority of non-elite athletes, and the rest of us, here in real life, on Planet Earth, not very good at sports.
That's fair, and I appreciate the response. I guess I just wish that that point had made it into the episode as you've written it here (explicitly coming at it from the more persuasive angle despite there being a more fundamental one).
I've actually had more success in my IRL discussions by framing it as a human rights issue, because I couldn't convince people that the competitive advantage was a lie. They see a Lia Thomas and know that that it's possible for a trans woman to win, so they follow that to its extremes and a potential future where trans women win every race, despite acknowledging and accepting how rare it is in the present. But then again, I'm dealing with people who never believed it was an epidemic to begin with, so they are more open to the discussion. So I get trying to bust down that wall first. I just wish it was done with a bit more acknowledgement of how this approach can still hurt the greater point.
Lots of respect to you and Ember for doing this episode. Really enjoyed having the benefit of these perspectives to further educate me on this important issue.
As the parent of a trans girl (not an athlete), I really appreciated this episode. I'm a far left liberal and even I had some questions on the competing in girls/women's sports. You did an excellent job of breaking down the realities, and dispelling the fear mongering.
Great stuff Pablo.
This had the potential to be a great episode, and I loved hearing Ember's story, but I think the framing of it misses the mark, unfortunately. By looking at this story as "trans people aren't dominating, so why are politicians so concerned", you're actually giving credence to the anti-trans viewpoint. Because the implication is that if they were dominating, then these bans would make more sense. This is purely a human rights issue; women should be able to play women's sports, regardless of how well or poorly they perform.
Furthermore, your closing notes about how "testosterone" is a meaningful consideration and should be used to determine who can participate also is a first step to the anti-trans viewpoint. Trans women are women, full stop. At the absolute elite levels, sure, put in some timing requirements (must have been transitioned for at least X years under some medical and psychological definitions), but once you introduce hormone testing or anything like it, you start legislating "what is a woman".
I really do think this episode was done with all the right intentions, but allowing these talking points to be taken seriously is how we've gotten this far already.
I hear you. Completely. But this episode was framed that way deliberately: people need to understand that the epidemic of trans girls dominating sports is a lie. Ceding or ignoring that factual ground because of a larger (and, sadly, unpopular) principle about who deserves to play is a huge part of why the larger conversation refuses to budge. If we ignore competitive advantage as the most persuasive counterargument, it becomes that much more persuasive. To the point of 23+ states passing laws that ban trans girls who are willing to play by reasonable rules. And who are, like the vast majority of non-elite athletes, and the rest of us, here in real life, on Planet Earth, not very good at sports.
That's fair, and I appreciate the response. I guess I just wish that that point had made it into the episode as you've written it here (explicitly coming at it from the more persuasive angle despite there being a more fundamental one).
I've actually had more success in my IRL discussions by framing it as a human rights issue, because I couldn't convince people that the competitive advantage was a lie. They see a Lia Thomas and know that that it's possible for a trans woman to win, so they follow that to its extremes and a potential future where trans women win every race, despite acknowledging and accepting how rare it is in the present. But then again, I'm dealing with people who never believed it was an epidemic to begin with, so they are more open to the discussion. So I get trying to bust down that wall first. I just wish it was done with a bit more acknowledgement of how this approach can still hurt the greater point.
This was a wonderful, wonderful interview and show!! And I don't blame you for not picking up the snake.
Lots of respect to you and Ember for doing this episode. Really enjoyed having the benefit of these perspectives to further educate me on this important issue.
As the parent of a trans girl (not an athlete), I really appreciated this episode. I'm a far left liberal and even I had some questions on the competing in girls/women's sports. You did an excellent job of breaking down the realities, and dispelling the fear mongering.
Very cool episode! Question: does the show have an email address/means of reaching out? I was hoping to pitch a story idea.
Geckos.