The transgender collegiate swimmer Lia Thomas stated, “I am a woman, just like anybody else on the team,” in a Sports Illustrated interview. However, Lia is not a woman, nor is she similar to any other member of the women’s swimming squad. It is ludicrous to believe otherwise, and such discourse needs to end. It’s been going on for too long.
Lia is not a woman and never will be. Lia is free to refer to herself anyway she pleases. Lia is free to wear anything she likes. Lia is able to determine what she wants. However, Lia’s genitalia are male. Lia is a woman without breasts. Lia is unable to conceive or lay eggs. Lia doesn’t get monthly periods. Lia will not experience menopause. These are the biological expectations placed on women. These are actual facts. It’s science here. Furthermore, science can be trusted, as the last two years have shown us all.
The swimmer stated in the interview, “I belong on the women’s team because I’m a woman.” “Transgender people should be treated with the same dignity as other athletes.” However, Lia’s anatomy and physiology demonstrate that she is not a woman. Other athletes do not typically compete against opponents who are biologically different, as far as respect is concerned. Furthermore, as they say, “respect is earned, not given.”
Lia Thomas embodies the broader issue of entitlement that transgender individuals face in society. The transgender rights movement started out with the goal of achieving acceptance and equality. People battled to prevent discrimination and violations of their civil rights. But those times have passed. It has become a poisonous fight on favor of privilege and precedence. Acts like Lia Thomas declaring (and thinking) herself to be a woman, when that is definitely untrue, are encouraged by it.
Lia Thomas’s situation highlights a significant cultural issue. People who identify as transgender shouldn’t experience any kind of harassment, discrimination, or civil rights violations. Transgender propaganda should not be permitted to undermine social standards or recreate science, but that is precisely what is happening. Equality and respect do not include defining pronouns, inventing new genders, redefining words in the English language, and demonizing anyone who disagrees. It’s the suppression of society.