In a recent amateur cycling championship in Illinois, Kristen Chalmers, a cisgender cyclist, placed third behind two talented transgender athletes, Tessa Johnson and Evelyn Williamson. While Chalmers herself had no issue with her placement, her performance quickly became a focal point for anti-trans activists advocating for the exclusion of transgender women from women’s sports.
Right-wing news outlets and individuals seized the opportunity to express outrage, claiming that Chalmers’ third-place finish somehow infringed upon women’s rights. However, Chalmers firmly rejects this notion and encourages everyone to maintain perspective. She told NBC News, “It would be ridiculous to sacrifice other people’s enjoyment of a sport they love so that I could claim a state championship.”
Chalmers emphasized that this was an amateur race with only five competitors and praised Johnson and Williamson’s strong performance, making the competition more exciting. They are not just competitors but also good friends, underlining the camaraderie within the cycling community. Chalmers pointed out that many other events on that day were not won by trans competitors, demonstrating that diverse talent coexists within the sport.
Chalmers is part of a growing group of cisgender athletes who have signed an open letter in support of trans women’s right to participate. The letter states, “Inclusion makes our sport and community stronger. Everyone is welcome here. Trans women are women.”
This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of evolving policies in the world of cycling. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) recently updated its policy to restrict trans female athletes who started puberty before their transition from competing in women’s races. USA Cycling has followed suit by creating two categories for trans athletes in domestic races. These developments occur in a broader context where 24 US states have adopted laws and regulations limiting trans youth from participating in gender-aligned sports teams.
The cycling community, through Chalmers and others, sends a powerful message of inclusion, reaffirming that the sport is at its best when everyone has the opportunity to participate, regardless of their gender identity.