Hogshead-Makar, Nancy. “Sex Matters: Why Transgender Athletes Must Not Compete Against Biological Females.” Swimming World Magazine, 26 Feb. 2019, https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/sex-matters-why-transgender-athletes-must-not-compete-against-biological-females/

• In her article “Sex Matters: Why Transgender Athletes Must Not Compete Against Biological Females,” Nancy Hogshead-Makar argues that transgender athletes competing against biological females in sports is unfair and poses a risk to the safety of female athletes. She claims that the physical differences between male and female athletes are significant and cannot be mitigated by hormone therapy or other medical interventions, as they only partially reduce strength and speed advantages. Hogshead-Makar emphasizes that women’s sports were created to provide opportunities for female athletes to compete fairly, and allowing transgender athletes to compete against them undermines this objective. She also notes that the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports could create a scenario where biological males dominate female sports, resulting in fewer opportunities for female athletes. Overall, Hogshead-Makar argues that it is important to maintain a level playing field in women’s sports and to protect the safety and opportunities of female athletes.

• Nancy Hogshead-Makar is a former Olympic swimmer and civil rights lawyer. The article is published on Swimming World Magazine, a respected publication that covers swimming and aquatics-related news and events. The article presents a well-researched argument based on scientific evidence and legal considerations.

1. “The physical differences between males and females are significant and can’t be fully mitigated by hormone therapy or surgeries. Males are taller, heavier and have more muscle mass than females. As a result, they are typically stronger, faster and more powerful. These differences confer a significant athletic advantage.”
2. “Allowing males to compete as females simply if they change their name or take hormones is unfair — no matter how much reassignment surgery they undergo. The uneven playing field cheats athletes and destroys dreams. Women fought long and hard for an equal chance to compete on the playing field. Those efforts deserve respect and protection.”

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