Lia Thomas Advocates for Trans Athletes Amid Growing Opposition to Inclusion in Women’s Sports

Lia Thomas Advocates for Trans Athletes Amid Shifting Public Opinion

Former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas has emerged as a vocal supporter of the transgender athlete community in a climate where public sentiment increasingly opposes trans inclusion in women’s sports.

Recently, Thomas addressed this controversial issue during a forum hosted by HiTOPS aimed at supporting trans youth.

In her remarks delivered via Zoom, Thomas emphasized her commitment to advocacy, declaring, “I am going to keep fighting as much as I am able to.” She stressed the importance of solidarity, stating, “In order to fight the battles we need to fight, we have to stick together and support each other.”

Background on Lia Thomas

Thomas’s statements come three years after her historic eligibility to compete as a female athlete in major competitions. She made headlines at the 2022 Ivy League championships and NCAA championships, where her participation was allowed under then-existing NCAA gender eligibility rules that facilitated trans athletes’ inclusion.

Prior to her transition, Thomas swam for the University of Pennsylvania’s men’s team as Will Thomas. During her time on the women’s team, she broke multiple records and garnered considerable attention from mainstream media outlets, including ESPN, NBC News, and ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

The Changing Landscape of Trans Inclusion

In stark contrast to the supportive media narrative of 2022, the political landscape surrounding trans athletes has shifted significantly. President Donald Trump has initiated actions toward a nationwide ban on trans athletes participating in women’s sports. Furthermore, the NCAA has revised its policies to prevent biological males from competing on women’s teams.

A rising body of public opinion indicates that a significant majority of Americans oppose trans inclusion in women’s sports. Despite this trend, Thomas remains firm in her belief that decisions regarding participation should rest with the athletes themselves.

“It has to be the athletes deciding for themselves where they feel most affirmed and most comfortable,” she explained. Thomas called for policies that ensure safe and non-discriminatory routes for trans athletes, advocating for access tailored to individual needs.

Lawsuits and Controversy Surrounding Inclusion

The inclusion of Thomas on UPenn’s women swimming team has sparked a series of legal challenges and controversies. Over the past year, multiple lawsuits have emerged, including one led by swimmer Riley Gaines, who competes against Thomas, challenging the NCAA’s previous policies regarding gender identity.

In February, three of Thomas’s former teammates filed a lawsuit against the University of Pennsylvania, the Ivy League, and the NCAA. This suit seeks to revoke Thomas’s records in the women’s category and alleges that the university pressured the team to embrace pro-trans ideology.

The plaintiffs, Grace Estabrook, Margot Kaczorowski, and Ellen Holmquist, claim that allowing Thomas to compete injured them and violated federal law. They allege that UPenn administrators suggested any discomfort regarding Thomas’s participation indicated a psychological issue requiring counseling and support from mental health resources.

“The UPenn administrators told the women that if anyone was struggling with accepting Thomas’s participation on the UPenn Women’s team, they should seek counseling and support from CAPS and the LGBTQ center,” the lawsuit alleges. Furthermore, the administrators invited the female athletes to attend a talk entitled “Trans 101,” which they argue misrepresented the institution’s stance as one that disregarded their concerns.

The Road to the Olympics and Further Challenges

After the 2022 collegiate swimming season, Thomas attempted to qualify to compete in the Olympics as a female athlete but was ultimately denied entry. In response to growing concerns, World Aquatics modified its policies, prohibiting any trans athlete who experienced male puberty from competing in the women’s category.

Following a court challenge to this ruling, Thomas expressed deep disappointment at losing her opportunity to compete, reflecting on the emotional toll it has taken on her. “I felt so devastated and [felt] grief over losing this access to my sport,” Thomas lamented. “There was no doubt in my mind that I was going to fight this, that this is my sport too, and I’m not just gonna give it up.”

Public Sentiment Reflects Growing Concerns

Recent surveys highlight that a significant portion of the American population questions the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. A comprehensive poll conducted by the New York Times and Ipsos revealed that 79% of participants believe biological males identifying as women should not compete alongside female athletes. This sentiment extends across demographic lines, with 67% of Democrats agreeing with restrictions on trans athletes’ participation.

Additionally, a national exit poll revealed that 70% of moderate voters view opposition to trans inclusion in women’s sports as an important issue, with some regarding it as the foremost concern in the 2024 elections.

Riley Gaines and the Political Implications

Riley Gaines, who notably tied with Thomas at the 2022 NCAA championships, has emerged as a prominent voice in the conservative movement regarding the issue of trans athletes. She suggests that Thomas’s inclusion in women’s sports significantly impacted the political landscape leading to the upcoming elections.

“I think we should send a thank-you note to people like Will Thomas, I really do, signed and sealed by me,” Gaines stated, indicating her belief that Thomas’s story played a vital role in shaping the political discourse surrounding transgender issues.

Moving Forward: The Fight Continues

As the debate surrounding trans athletes continues, Thomas remains steadfast in her commitment to advocate for the rights of all athletes. The ongoing legal challenges and shifting public opinion indicate that this issue will remain contentious. Despite the challenges ahead, Thomas emphasizes the need for continued support and advocacy within the trans community.