Alam_dar

Trans men have competed successfully in men’s sports. Take Chris Mosier, a trans man who qualified for the U.S. duathlon team and competed in men’s Olympic trials. He didn’t “dominate,” but he held his own—proof that trans men can and do compete in men’s events without it being a headline every time. The age at which trans men start testosterone therapy can absolutely affect their physical potential compared to elite cisgender male athletes. Cisgender men experience testosterone’s effects from puberty onward—typically starting around 12–16 years old. This prolonged exposure during adolescence shapes their bodies in ways that are hard to fully replicate later. It drives greater bone density, broader shoulders, and higher muscle mass, all of which are advantages in sports. Elite male athletes often build on this foundation with years of training from a young age, optimizing those natural traits. Trans men, on the other hand, usually don’t begin hormone therapy until adulthood—or at least late teens—depending on personal circumstances, access to healthcare, or when they come out. Testosterone therapy can still do a lot after puberty: it increases muscle mass, boosts red blood cell count for endurance, and shifts fat distribution. Studies, like ones from the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, show that after 1–2 years of testosterone, trans men’s muscle mass and strength can approach the lower-to-middle range of cisgender men’s. But there’s a catch—bones don’t widen the same way after puberty’s growth plates close, and the total muscle-building window is shorter compared to a cisgender man who’s had decades of testosterone-driven development. So, a trans man starting hormones at, say, 20, might not reach the peak physical ceiling of a cisgender male athlete who’s been training since age 10 with naturally high testosterone. ***** You asked me a question. And now it is my turn to ask a question. What is your SOLUTION? 1. Do you want trans people to be prohibited to take part in sports? 2. Or do you want to spend money for SEPARATE trans women and trans men? 3. Or do you want some compromise (as there are hardly any trans people present in sports), and then put conditions like testosterone levels? So, if cis women with higher testosterone and muscle mass levels than trans women are allowed to compete in women's sport, why then you want trans women with lower levels cannot take part in women's sport? What's your problem with this?

This is the key difference in perspective. From our view, there is no unfair advantage, as trans women often have even lower testosterone and muscle mass than many cis female athletes. If cis women with naturally higher testosterone and muscle mass are allowed to compete, then why should trans women with lower levels be excluded?

To me, it's clear that these medications have nothing to do with being professional or not. Without them, even highly skilled individuals may struggle mentally and face an increased risk of suicide.

How can you ignore and hide this fact that the majority of peer-reviewed studies indicate that gender-affirming therapies, including hormone treatments, are beneficial for transgender individuals. These therapies have been associated with improvements in mental health, quality of life, and reductions in depression and anxiety. For instance, a systematic review found that gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) may improve the physical, psychological, and social health of transgender people seeking medical transition. PMC Conversely, there is a lack of peer-reviewed studies demonstrating that these therapies are ineffective or harmful. A comprehensive analysis found no studies concluding that gender transition causes overall harm. What We Know While some studies have reported mixed or null findings, they are in the minority. The prevailing scientific evidence supports the efficacy of gender-affirming therapies in enhancing the well-being of transgender individuals. We are not living in a 100% perfect world. And if anyone *ed the bodies of trans people, then the responsibility goes to gods of all religions. Thus, if trans people feel themselves better by using therapies and drugs, why should they then not use them? Why do you want them to keep on suffering due to mistakes of your religious gods?

Please let scientific research determine whether these therapies and medications are beneficial. If studies show that these treatments genuinely provide strength and encouragement to live—helping to prevent suicides—then we should acknowledge and respect the findings of science.

Not irrelevant. International sports bodies disagree with you, which makes your opinion irrelevant. And I don’t see anything in the rest of your post worth responding to.

Unfortunately, option 1 becomes impractical due to financial issues (and there are not always such a huge number of trans athletes present to take part in separate competitions). And option 2 becomes impossible while after Hormonal Therapy, trans women land equal or at least very close to cis women in testosterone levels and muscle mass levels, as compared to cis men. Thus, it makes it totally IMPOSSIBLE for them to compete with cis men. 72% increase in suicide attempts among trans kids, Lastly, the NCAA president told Congress in December that there are “less than 10” transgender athletes in the entire NCAA. Meanwhile, states with anti-trans laws have seen a 72% increase in suicide attempts among trans kids. Should we really let it happen? Let that sink in. We’re arguing over a handful of athletes while real lives are at stake. Are we really okay with prioritizing hypothetical fairness in sports over the mental health and survival of trans youth?

There is already a limit to Testosterone level by sport bodies like Olympics etc. Many biological women have the same or ever above level of testosterone as compared to athlete trans women (who undergo hormone therapy), and they are still allowed to take part in women's sport. Some cis women, due to genetics have naturally higher testosterone levels, which can enhance muscle mass and athletic performance. Trans women who undergo hormone replacement therapy (HRT) experience a significant reduction in testosterone levels, often bringing them down to the typical female range. This also leads to muscle loss, fat redistribution, and decreased strength over time. Studies show that after a year or more on HRT, trans women’s muscle mass and strength decrease significantly, sometimes to levels comparable to or even below those of cisgender women. Many successful cis women athletes have naturally high levels of testosterone and superior muscle mass, yet they are not excluded from competition. How? Another baseless fearmongering. There are hardly any trans women present in women's sports. It is only a hype given by media and transphobic people. Only 10 Trans athelete in NCAA: Lastly, the NCAA president told Congress in December that there are “less than 10” transgender athletes in the entire NCAA. Meanwhile, states with anti-trans laws have seen a 72% increase in suicide attempts among trans kids, according to an NPR story. Let that sink in. We’re arguing over a handful of athletes while real lives are at stake. Are we really okay with prioritizing hypothetical fairness in sports over the mental health and survival of trans youth?

Dear @mishra Ji, I humbly request you to consider the issue of trans women in sports from a humanitarian perspective. This is not just a debate about rules and regulations but about ensuring fairness, dignity, and inclusion for all individuals. The Issue of Transgender Women in Sports Once again, the world is not 100% perfect, as it has not been made by any 100% perfect god. So, what is the solution? Option 1: Separate Sports Categories for Trans Women: One idea floating around is to create separate sports categories for transgender women, kind of like how we have separate events for cisgender men and women. On paper, this sounds inclusive, but let’s be honest—it’s not exactly practical. The costs and logistics of setting up entirely new categories would be a nightmare. Plus, it risks further isolating trans athletes instead of integrating them into the existing system. Do we really want to create more divisions in a world that’s already too divided? Option 2: Trans Women Competing with Men: Another suggestion is to have transgender women compete in men’s categories. But here’s the thing: hormone replacement therapy (HRT) significantly lowers their testosterone levels and reduces muscle mass, bringing them in line with cisgender women. Forcing trans women to compete against men not only puts them at a physical disadvantage but also takes a huge toll on their mental and emotional well-being. Imagine being told you don’t belong in the category that aligns with your identity—it’s not just unfair, it’s downright cruel. Option 3: Trans Women Competing with Cisgender Women: This option, while not perfect, might be the most balanced approach we have right now. Trans women on HRT have testosterone levels and muscle mass comparable to cisgender women. And let’s be clear: there’s little evidence to suggest they dominate women’s sports. In fact, they often lose more than they win—it’s just that the media loves to hype up their victories while ignoring their losses. This approach strikes a reasonable balance between inclusivity and fairness. It’s not about giving anyone an advantage; it’s about giving everyone a fair shot. What About Cis Women with High Testosterone? Consider the case of cisgender women like Imane Khelif, who are biologically female but naturally have higher testosterone levels than the average woman. Should such individuals be required to: Compete against cis men? Have their own category? Or be banned from sports altogether? It’s a tricky question, and it highlights the fact that athletic performance varies widely even among cisgender athletes. Why single out trans women when natural variation is already part of the game? If we start policing testosterone levels, where do we draw the line? Should we ban Michael Phelps because his body produces less lactic acid, giving him a natural edge in swimming? Of course not. So why are we so fixated on trans athletes? Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Its Impact Transgender athletes undergo Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which alters their muscle distribution and fat composition, effectively diminishing any biological advantages they may have had prior to transitioning. For transgender women, the physical changes brought about by HRT make them lose the muscle mass and strength typically associated with being assigned male at birth (AMAB). This process works to eliminate any inherent athletic advantages they may have had, aligning their athletic potential more closely with that of cisgender women. Huge Variations Among Cisgender Athletes A crucial point raised by research is the significant variation in athletic abilities within the cisgender population. A study titled Sex differences and athletic performance by D.J. Oberlin (you can check it out here) concludes that the ability to excel in sports is not solely determined by one’s sex. The study notes that within any given population, whether cisgender or transgender, there are individuals who exceed the average in terms of physical ability due to genetic and hormonal variations. These exceptional individuals may excel in their sport regardless of their sex or gender identity. Key findings from the study include: A small percentage of the population (around 2.3%) may NATURALLY excel in sports, regardless of their gender identity. They are naturally gifted—taller, stronger or faster than others. (Similarly, there are human populations/races where people are naturally shorter in stature, yet they still compete alongside those from populations where people tend to be taller. This natural variation in height and physical attributes doesn’t disqualify anyone from competing—it’s just part of the diversity we see in sports and life.) Only 0.5%–0.6% of the population identifies as transgender. The idea that cis men would pretend to be trans women to dominate women’s sports is not only absurd but completely unfounded. HRT reduces or even eliminates many of the physical differences that develop during puberty. Trans women on HRT don’t have an unfair advantage—they’re playing on a level field. If trans women do excel in certain sports, should we really see that as unfair? Or is it just another example of natural variability, like how some athletes are born with freakish wingspans or superhuman endurance? I hope this writing helps people better understand the challenges and struggles that the trans community faces.

From where did you take these statistics? Any source? There are hardly a few cases all over the world where tans women raped any cis women in prisons. A 2015 report by the National Center for Transgender Equality highlighted that transgender individuals, particularly transgender women housed in men's facilities, face a significantly higher risk of sexual victimization compared to the general prison population. https://transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/usts/USTS-Full-Report-Dec17.pdf For the rest of your abusive post ... I am sorry you deserve no respect and no reply.

Court Blocks Trump's Order to Send Transgender Women to Male Prisons: It is deeply unfortunate that far-right religious groups have managed to undermine the rights of vulnerable transgender individuals. Equally concerning is the fact that supporting transgender rights has become a politically sensitive issue that could harm us. However, standing for justice should not be about short-term political gain. I firmly believe that protecting transgender people remains the right thing to do, regardless of the political cost. Although this battle is ongoing, justice is ultimately on our side. A major step forward occurred when the courts blocked Trump’s directive that would have forced transgender women into male prisons. Reuters. The ruling was based on several key points: Transgender Women Face Extreme Harm in Male Prisons: Numerous government reports and legal rulings, including Farmer v. Brennan, 511 U.S. 825 (1994), have confirmed that transgender individuals suffer significantly higher rates of physical and sexual violence when housed in prisons that match their biological sex rather than their gender identity. People are raped, and assaulted, and even killed for being trans. The Trump administration’s legal team did not even attempt to challenge this point in court, essentially conceding both the legal and moral argument. Right-Wing Arguments Are Based on Rare Cases: The most common counterargument is that transgender women with a history of sexual offenses might pose a risk to female inmates. While there have been isolated cases, they are extremely rare compared to the widespread violence transgender women face in male prisons. The harm caused by placing transgender women in male facilities far outweighs the risk posed by the few cases where transgender offenders have committed crimes in female prisons. Trans women, unlike cisgender men, undergo hormone therapy and take testosterone blockers, which significantly reduce their muscle mass and overall physical strength. This hormonal transition makes them physically more fragile, often bringing their strength levels closer to those of cisgender women rather than cis men. Because of this, placing trans women in men's prisons puts them at severe risk. In most cases, they are completely defenseless against the physical aggression of powerful cisgender male inmates, many of whom have histories of violent crime. Prisons are already environments where physical dominance plays a major role in survival, and trans women—lacking the biological advantages that cis men have—are often unable to protect themselves. This is why many human rights advocates argue that trans women should be housed in women's facilities. Ignoring these biological and medical realities can lead to severe consequences, including increased violence, assault, and psychological trauma and even killing for trans inmates. Perfection Is Not Possible, but Solutions Exist: There is no 100% perfect God present in the heavens. Thus, our world is not 100% perfect. We face a lot of challenges, and we have to make a lot of compromises to survive in this imperfect world. Yet, far-right religious groups demand an unrealistic, absolute solution—one that simply denies the existence of transgender people. This refusal to acknowledge reality only deepens the suffering of transgender individuals, pushing many toward extreme distress and even suicide. A practical approach must involve compromise. The possible solutions are: Dedicated transgender prison facilities (an ideal but costly and logistically difficult option). Placing trans women in male prisons (proven to be highly dangerous). Placing trans women in female prisons while carefully monitoring behavior and, if necessary, transferring offenders to solitary confinement or male facilities—this was the previous policy before Trump’s orders. Even if a transgender woman is not physically assaulted in a male prison, simply being forced to live as a man—being referred to as male, forced to wear male clothing, and subjected to male searches—causes significant psychological harm. Government reports and psychiatric studies confirm that this distress alone is enough to cause severe mental health issues. When these reports were presented in court, once again, the Trump administration’s lawyers did not contest them. This marks another legal and moral defeat for those who seek to erase transgender identities. The far-right’s refusal to accept scientific reality only worsens the suffering of transgender people. While there are risks with any policy, the solution should not be to ignore or erase an entire group’s rights. As history has shown, progress may be slow, but justice will ultimately prevail. It is unfortunate that: How the religious right wing is so focused on allegedly protecting cis women for rape (which is of course important) but won’t stop the rape that happens among people of the same sex and gender, especially in men’s prisons. They know that trans people will suffer under their policies, and they see that as a feature, not a bug. They want trans people to be assaulted, they want them back in hiding because it makes them feel slightly uncomfortable. Having a group of people that live outside the prescribed roles of gender in society is disruptive to the core beliefs of patriarchy, into which conservatives and religious people have sunk so much importance throughout the years. Think of all the aspects of society that they believe are immutable and god given. One is raised based on the expectations of one’s sex from birth, and any deviation from that is a direct assault against god’s plan. The sheer amount of psychological power they would lose over their flock if someone could choose to live not by god’s plan but by one’s own sense of self. It would be a world of chaos in their minds because they believe god creates order in the universe. Far Right Argument: Reform Male Prisons Instead: A common argument from far-right religious groups is: "Why not reform male prisons instead of transferring trans women to women's prisons?" While prison reform is an important and necessary discussion, it is a separate issue from the immediate concerns we are addressing. Our focus here is on minimizing harm to transgender individuals within the current prison system. Reforming male prisons is a long-term goal, but it does not solve the urgent risks faced by trans women in male facilities today. We must prioritize their safety and well-being within the existing framework while advocating for broader systemic changes in the future. Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway and Finland, have implemented mixed (unisex?) prisons. These systems often feature "open prisons," where inmates experience conditions that closely resemble life outside incarceration. In Norway, prisons like Halden are designed to simulate a village environment, promoting a sense of normalcy and community among inmates. This approach aims to prepare prisoners for successful reintegration into society upon release. Research indicates that these rehabilitative models have yielded positive outcomes. Centre for Economic Policy Research. For individuals convicted of violent or aggressive crimes, separate wings or specialized confinement may be necessary. However, for non-violent offenders, a unisex prison system could offer a more humane and effective solution. This approach would prioritize rehabilitation and safety while addressing the unique needs of all inmates, fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment.

This is not a valid argument. There may be other reasons that Indians got a few high posts under Trump, but you cannot claim that there is less racism against Indians (and all other brown and black people) in the Republican Party as compared to the Democratic Party. Perhaps the problem lies in wealthy US Indians, who support Trump as compared to the Democratic Party, or there may be other reasons. However, we have already seen how the MAGA base hate all brown people, including Indians.

Dear @rish These were my Indian friends from high castes who were always talking that only untouchables accepted Islam, but Brahmin or Kshatriyas didn't convert to Islam. And as I stated earlier, these things have now become meaningless to me. Being a good human being is the only important thing, not being Pakistani or Indian or Muslim or Hindu.

To be honest, oral sex worth taking some risk, but not to that extent. Washing and hygiene is important. Oral sex seems to be natural, and that is why Kama Sutra also talks about oral sex, but of course, not to that extent of drinking/eating.

This is a good argument indeed. Well done. I personally believe that there is no 100% perfect god present in the heavens who created a perfect world for humans. Nature (evolution) follows its own course and humans have to make compromises in order to survive. Therefore, in order to get one benefit (pleasure/sexual satisfaction), humans have to make a compromise in this case (i.e. take a risk of a somewhat disgusting and also dangerous practice of licking and sucking). I wish evolution would have put sexual organs far away from excretory organs, and would have made them to smell like flowers.