IndexLegal and political considerationsSocial and ethical considerationsCounterargumentDiscussionSolutionsConclusionThe presence of transgender athletes in professional sports has become a controversial topic in recent decades due to the global recognition of LGBTQ+ rights. The debate surrounding this issue centers on transgender rights, the limitations of science in influencing biology, and the inconsistency of policies and rules in providing a clear solution. This essay argues that transgender women should be allowed to compete in professional sports based on their gender identity under certain conditions established by governing sports bodies that prioritize equality and integrity in the world of athletics. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Legal and political considerations The International Olympic Committee (IOC), one of the most respected sports governing bodies, announced in 2004 that transgender people can compete if they have undergone gender confirmation surgery, have obtained legal recognition of their gender and have undergone hormone therapy for at least 2 years. In 2016, the policy was updated to eliminate the requirement for surgery, but stated that identification as a non-biological sex must have been self-reported for at least 4 years. Additionally, transgender women must maintain blood testosterone levels below 10 nmol/L for 12 months prior to competition (Alice-Jones et al. 711). Although the IOC policy has been criticized, it has been followed by many other governing bodies of various sports, pointing to legal recognition and inclusivity for transgender athletes. These policies are based on medico-legal research conducted by experts in the sport, ensuring integrity in competitions. Social and Ethical Considerations Transgenderism is a highly controversial topic in society, and transgender people face significant challenges and discrimination in their daily lives. Allowing transgender athletes to compete in professional sports is a social consideration rooted in inclusivity and protection of these individuals. By acknowledging and discussing the presence of transgender athletes, society can address transphobia and conduct adequate research into the biological roots of the problem (Ingle). Sport must be inclusive and create connections and communities, as stated in the Olympic Charter. For transgender athletes, their identity is often formed through sports. Sports have historically been used as a platform to promote progressive social issues, such as the inclusion of individuals with non-traditional sexual orientations and the creation of gender equality. Therefore, allowing transgender athletes to compete aligns with the social narrative of sport as a means of promoting equality and telling meaningful stories rather than focusing solely on competitive matchups. Counterargument Opponents of allowing transgender women in professional sports argue that the biology poses a significant concern for fairness in professional sports. athletic performance. Even though hormone therapy lowers testosterone levels, transgender women may still benefit from some biological advantages, such as muscle memory, bone structure, lung capacity, and heart size. Concerns also arise regarding the manipulation of hormone levels to improve performance during training or pre-competition (Pitsiladis et al. 386). Discussion The debate.