The problem arises because the governing bodies of the various sports think testosterone level is the only male advantage, and once that’s been reduced it’s a level playing field
2015 Metro interview with Delia Johnson includes discussion about Trans Inclusive sporting policy making she was involved with:
(extract)
"Another hot topic that surrounds transgender people in sport is the issue of gender categorisation – something which Delia feels strongly about: At what point is it fair for a man who has transitioned into woman to play for the women’s team, and vice versa? According to their 2003 rules the IOC [International Olympic Committee] says you need to be on two years of medical hormones before you can play on the team of your assigned gender – something Delia believes is the wrong approach. ‘I think those rules are stupid,’ she says. ‘The requirements are extremely demanding and not all individuals can achieve what is required in time. By then, they may have passed their peak in terms of performance.’
Delia argues that physically, you change greatly, quickly, once you start taking female hormones. ‘When I play badminton now, my mind says I can do that shot but my body says, “in your dreams”. ‘I believe sport is so important. It helps you socially physically and mentally,’ she says. ‘Sports UK and Sports England have now rolled out new guidance. They’ve issued a Transsexual Inclusion In Sport document for domestic, national and international competitions. ‘But there’s not enough actual sports governing bodies implementing changes and policy review in light of this.
‘More still needs to be done. I’m not letting them get off lightly!’ On the ‘trans-friendly’ FA As Delia says, some bodies deserve credit where it’s due. Namely, the English Football Association, or The FA. Delia worked for the organisation despite, she says, having been told they were ‘homophobic’. Undeterred, she went in and examined the structure of the organisation from a transgender perspective, and found The FA to be the most inclusive of all sports organisations she’d come across – and in fact, the most instrumental in getting transsexuals involved in football. ‘A female to male person wants to do what any other male does – which may include playing football,’ she says. ‘The FA has been the most pro-active and reactive in their inclusion of trans people within football. ‘There are, incredibly, many new transsexuals participating in various levels of football this year.’
Delia believes that if we keep this conversation going, even more trans athletes can step out in the field much sooner. ‘Looking back over the last five and a half years, who would have thought that I would achieve so much after going through so much, that I would help so many, and most importantly, that I would have so much fun?’ she says. ‘After the formal start of my transition I promised myself that I would help as many other transgender people as I could. ‘I helped many individuals and organisations until I was headhunted into London 2012, where my love of sport was found.’
metro.co.uk/2015/10/21/transgender-woman-on-her-desperate-struggle-with-her-new-identity-and-how-she-was-accepted-by-the-fa-but-not-her-daughter-5376352/
from thread:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3228541-Max-testosterone-level-for-trans-athletes-to-be-halved
April 2018 Liz Truss' support for MN position (free respectful discussion) was made public.
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3228488-Liz-Truss-MP-breaks-cover-backs-MN
comment from Daily Mail article:
'Cabinet minister prompts transgender row after backing Mumsnet users 'leading backlash against militant activists.
Cabinet minister Liz Truss has incurred the wrath of the transgender community:Tweeted article which praised forum for letting users 'question the tenets' of transgenderism'
(extract)
"Last night Delia Johnston, the former head of a charity campaigning for trans sportspeople to be allowed to compete in their chosen gender, condemned Ms Truss. Ms Johnston said: ‘She is giving kudos to Mumsnet who are particularly vicious on this particular front. Truss could be investigated for backing a group that is effectively advocating violence against the transgender community. She may be a terf in disguise.’
thread:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3228488-Liz-Truss-MP-breaks-cover-backs-MN
Inclusion policies in sport (as in all areas) for people who are transgender are vital BUT in order for sport to remain inclusive, there must also be consideration and impact assesments on how such policies might affect some women and girls.