The Atlantic
Hawaiian volleyball player Sia Liilii protested against a transgender player in her college league, sparking a wider debate about transgender women in female sports. Many athletes shared Liilii’s concerns about safety and fairness, leading to several teams forfeiting games against the transgender player’s team. The issue became politically charged, with conservatives supporting the protesting athletes and progressives arguing for inclusion. The Biden administration initially opposed discrimination based on gender identity but later proposed giving schools more leeway to limit trans athletes’ participation. The debate continues, with some sports organizations defining women’s divisions biologically, while others advocate for inclusion of transgender women.