As throughout history, somewhere less than 1% of children are born transgender. It ranges from <0.1% to 0.6%.

Of course those children should have an equal right to participate in everything, including sport.

Each competition sport will have to have rules accepting children into either boys or girls divisions.

Sport New Zealand recently released guiding principles for the inclusion of transgender people in community sport. Trans young people in Aotearoa experience considerable health and wellbeing disparities, as a result of stigma, discrimination and violence.  They face challenges within their own families, at school, in medical settings and in their wider communities.  

Engagement in sport has positive effects for psychological and physical wellbeing, academic performance, and sense of belonging, and can be a source of passion – a strong protective factor for mental health. …

Giving trans kids a sporting chance

I was excited to see Cat Runner win a new reality TV show. 10 amateur climbers competing for a cash prize of $100,000 and $100,000 prAna sponsorship.

It was impressive as Cat does not have much reach. He’s the short guy in the blue jacket.

It helps to have long limbs for rock climbing.

Cat identifies as transgender, one reason he’s a climber — an activity where gender doesn’t matter.

Finally — I’m disappointed with politicians and deplorable who are today trying to win votes, make money, and accrue power by targeting transgender kids and other minorities. Attacking some of the most vulnerable people in society.

That’s despicable.