The Collision of Sport and Identity: My Departure from High-Level Roller Derby

This year, playing in several major tournaments in Australia, I encountered numerous athletes who, despite no longer identifying as male, retained the physical attributes of males, including male levels of testosterone. This isn’t merely about identity; it’s about the physical realities of sport.

This isn’t a trivial difference in a full-contact sport like roller derby.

The tipping point came six weeks ago when a hit from a male skater resulted in a grade 2 AC joint sprain. The pain lingers, but more than the physical injury, it was the response to our complaint that struck me. The implication was clear: if you can’t handle the physicality, don’t play. But when “the physicality” involves the inherent advantages of male physiology in a women’s game, the choice becomes stark.

I anticipate backlash for voicing these concerns. In an era where diversity and inclusion are paramount, discussing the physical advantages of males in female sports can be seen as controversial or even transphobic. Yet, I believe many share my view, valuing safety and fairness in sports above all. This isn’t about being against diversity; it’s about recognizing where the line must be drawn for the integrity and safety of the sport.

The silence around this issue is deafening. Many women have quietly left the sport, fearing the label of bigotry more than the physical injuries. It’s time for open dialogue. Roller derby, a sport built on community and resilience, should not be a battleground for identity politics at the expense of its athletes’ safety.

Source: The Collision of Sport and Identity: My Departure from High-Level Roller Derby

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