Conclusion: Challenges, Struggles and the Way Forward

Abstract

Formidable social-cultural and legal challenges face trans athletes, particularly trans girls and women, at the global, national and local levels. Two underlying and mutually reinforcing themes are in evidence throughout these analyses: the principle of sport exceptionalism, and the power of the media to shape trans-related discourse.

The longstanding concept of ‘sport exceptionalism’ is routinely invoked to justify trans girls' and women's exclusion: that is, rules applying to other social contexts and workplaces must be suspended in relation to sport, so that women's ‘safety’ and ‘fairness’ may be guaranteed.

Mainstream and social media contribute to trans exclusionary attitudes, by spreading misinformation and promoting a moral panic over the spectre of trans women taking over girls' and women's sport. Detailed analyses of media treatment of trans athletes Laurel Hubbard and Lia Thomas demonstrate these trends. Moreover, media play a significant role when they are reporting on global, national and local developments in sport policies and practices, with media distortion of scientific findings exacerbating these problems.

An examination of conceptual and applied responses to these challenges provides the context for exploring the way forward: new ways of imagining sport that are inclusive and just.

Citation

Greey, A.D. and Lenskyj, H.J. (2022), "Conclusion: Challenges, Struggles and the Way Forward", Greey, A.D. and Lenskyj, H.J. (Ed.) Justice for Trans Athletes (Emerald Studies in Sport and Gender), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 165-174. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80262-985-920221011