The international governing body for track and field, recently barred transgender women from competing in the female category. The ban comes after the International Swimming Federation (FINA) enforced a similar ban in June 2022. From 31st March 2023, transgender women who have experienced male puberty will not be allowed to compete in the female competition.
However, WA has set up a working group to research “the issue of transgender inclusion.” Under previous rules, transgender women had to reduce the amount of blood testosterone to 5 nanomoles per litre (nmol/L) and maintain this level for 12 months to participate. WA’s “preferred option” was to reduce the blood testosterone limit to below 2.5nmol/L for two years before transgender women become eligible to compete.
Reasons for the Ban
WA focuses on the physical advantages that men have over women after puberty. The significant difference in sports performance between men and women means that the only way to maintain fairness is to maintain separate competition categories for male and female athletes. The debate started when New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard competed in the women’s 87-kg class at the Tokyo Olympics. Although Hubbard had earlier participated in the men’s category, she chose to compete in the women’s category.
The Legal Status of the Transgender Community in India
- The Supreme Court in India directed the government to grant legal recognition of gender identity, including male, female and third-gender.
- The Court recognized the fundamental rights of the third-gender category, stating that they should be available in the same way to males and females.
- The Court upheld the right of all persons to self-identify their gender.
- No third-gender person should be subjected to any medical examination or biological test, which would invade their right to privacy.
- The Court recognized the third-gender category as “socially and educationally backward citizens” entitled to reservations in educational institutions and public employment.
Challenges Faced by the Transgender Community
- The LGBTQIA+ community faces significant challenges due to the lack of acknowledgment on par with “heteronormals.”
- These challenges include sexual abuse, familial dysfunction, peer rejection, juvenile delinquency, societal taboo, sexual disharmony, unsafe sexual behavior, drug abuse, unrecognized marital status, hazards of adoption, housing, property inheritance, difficulty finding regular employment, discrimination and harassment at the workplace, etc.
- The prejudices against the LGBTQIA+ community take a mental and physical toll on their lives, leading to depression, suicides, self-harm, and substance abuse.
Initiatives for Transgender Persons in India
The Indian government has launched various initiatives to support the transgender community, including the SMILE Scheme, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020, the National Council for Transgender Persons, reservations for the transgender community under the OBC category in employment, and the National Portal for Transgender Persons. The Garima Greh scheme aims to provide shelter, food, medical care, and recreational facilities for transgender persons.
Why In News
World Athletics (WA), the international governing body for track and field, recently banned transgender women from competing in the female category due to concerns about physical advantages that men may have over women after puberty. This decision has generated significant controversy and debate around transgender inclusion in sports.
MCQs on Challenges and Initiatives for Transgender Rights
-
What is the International governing body for track and field’s recent decision regarding transgender women competing in the female category?
A. Transgender women who have experienced male puberty will not be allowed to compete in the female competition from 31st March 2023.
B. Transgender women who have experienced male puberty will be allowed to compete in the female competition from 31st March 2023.
C. Transgender women who have experienced male puberty can compete in the female competition with certain conditions.
D. None of the above.
-
What is the preferred option of the working group set up by WA to research “the issue of transgender inclusion” regarding the blood testosterone limit for transgender women to be eligible to compete in female categories?
A. Below 2.5nmol/L for two years.
B. Below 5nmol/L for 12 months.
C. No requirement for a blood testosterone limit.
D. None of the above.
-
What did the Supreme Court in India direct the government to do regarding gender identity?
A. Grant legal recognition of gender identity, including male, female and third-gender.
B. Only recognize male and female gender identity.
C. Recognize gender identity only after a medical examination or biological test.
D. None of the above.
-
Which of the following initiatives has the Indian government launched to support the transgender community?
A. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2022
B. The SMILE Scheme
C. The National Council for Cisgender Persons
D. The National Portal for Heteronormative Persons
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
