Transgender weightlifter named to NZ weightlifting squad

But actually domestic violence is to New Zealand what race is to the US, and class is to the UK.

Absolutely. Especially the sexual abuse of girls, and partner violence towards women. It's endemic throughout NZ society.

I didn't realise there is such a high rate of domestic violence in nz. Is it about better reporting?

No, it's a terrible problem here. We like to think we're all progressive - first country to give women the vote, women PMs, Governor Generals, head of judiciary, etc.

But actually domestic violence is to New Zealand what race is to the US, and class is to the UK.

"Maybe this is what it's going to take. A ridiculous number of trans athletes winning at the Olympics"

Hopefully, although rapist placed in women's prisons didn't cause many to rethink.

People like my FIL care a lot more about the olympics than women in prison.

I think it's a common attitude, one that I've seen in a comment on FWR, that if you're in prison you deserve a lot of what you get (I seem to remember the commenter quite rightly had some quite forceful words go back at her, that prisoners didn't deserve to be raped any more than any other human being)

Can’t believe that a man would transition to win medals though.

Why not? What impact would it have on his life day to day? He has to make some token effort (wear a closer fitting clothes, a bit more pink, grow his hair), persuade a therapist perhaps, and take some hormones - really it's a darn site less invasive than a body builder might do (very strict diet, various supplements and potions, all over shaving and tan).

Marvelous, seems completely fair.

Weightlifting is my preferred method of fitness so I'm subscribed to the Girls Gone Strong on youtube, their tag line is to empower women to be their strongest self. So I was a bit surprised when one of their regular videos, which are aimed at inspiring their followers and show other women achieving impressive lifts, was this:

No mention that Janae used to be called Matthew Raymond Kroczaleski who was a world champion and world record holding powerlifter. I don't find it very inspiring to be shown a man lifting heavy weights even if they are undergoing estrogen therapy, it doesn't suddenly create a level playing field with natal women. Girls Gone Strong is supposed to be focused on women in what has been a male dominated sport, stuff like this is so frustrating.

"Maybe this is what it's going to take. A ridiculous number of trans athletes winning at the Olympics"

Hopefully, although rapist placed in women's prisons didn't cause many to rethink.

How is this fair on the others.

Huge advantage over the women.

I support the right for adults to do what they want with their bodies.

I will call them any name they want and I would be friendly and considerate etc just like I would treat anyone else. I have nothing against anyone unless they have actively done something towards me or people I care about. I don't care if you were a Martian.

But this just isn't right. It's not fair
How can sport with it's such strict rules 're drugs etc allow this.

And why does validating delusions come befire what's fair and right

Well, that's set me up with my dose of righteous rage for the day.

I sincerely, genuinely wish that Laurel steps on a lego. And gets a paper cut.

And stops cheating women out of medals, and shitting all over women's sports, but that probably goes without saying.

I think it is a possibility Empress, it is SUCH a clear case of unfairness that people will see it clearly.

Maybe this is what it's going to take. A ridiculous number of trans athletes winning at the Olympics.

Can’t believe that a man would transition to win medals though

I can believe it. All he would have to do is make a token attempt at changing his hair, clothes etc. Hair, clothes and make up are the signifier of 'woman' for these people. There is no need to get rid of genitalia, most transwomen have a fully functioning penis.

Some people will do anything to win. They will take drugs in order to win. Why not change your clothes and say that makes you a woman?

The irony is that lots of women are disqualified for testosterone doping while Hubbard is allowed to compete with testosterone levels of up to 10 nmol /l of testosterone, a level which in MEN (let alone women) is still within normal bounds.

I don’t get it. If nothing else surely if there is nothing else at least the same restrictions should apply to everyone who competes in the same event!

I also don’t get the psychology. Does Laura honestly believe the competition is fair and she deserves to win? That her biology doesn’t give her any advantages over other competitors? Or does she recognise it and just doesn’t care?

TheDowagerCuntess Just googled Tony Veitch. I am astonished that NZ media have re-employed him, but also at the sentence he received. Disgusting.

This is just awful. Madness. What is the world coming to?

This is a fucking joke. Thanks for throwing women's sports under the bus.. And then a lorry. And then a train.

She should definitely not be allowed to compete. Totally unfair.

Can’t believe that a man would transition to win medals though.

Testosterone testing. It's still not reinstated, as far as I can tell.

www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/40491036

www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/aug/12/sebastian-coe-iaaf-hyperandrogenism

I think winning gold in a competition that people who don't know anything about weightlifting will peak trans many more people. I hope so anyway, as that is the only positive thing that could possible come from such a shit situation.

How must those women feel?

Legitimate cheating in professional sport.

It makes me livid.

I'm sick of being told that MTT just want to live their lives quietly and don't want to cause trouble for women. Enough seem to be hell bent on being the centre of attention.

TheDowagerCuntess, I've just google Tony fucking Veitch. Wow, at least the public were outraged. I didn't realise there is such a high rate of domestic violence in nz. Is it about better reporting?

So wrong. Not progressive in any way.

I don't really think there should be a transgender category. Gender and weightlifting don't mix. This is about sex. I will happily accept Caster Semanya but not this.

I suppose if the women all got together and refused to compete they'd be no competition, so it's a win win for them either way.