Episode 6: Gender Nonconformity in Athletics Part 2

Explicit content warning

11/20/19 • 46 min

Podcast Episode 6: The Attack on Nonconformity in Athletics Pt. 2 *Explicit Language*In this episode we further unpack human variance especially how it shows up in relation to gender identity/expression. Visible differences in the human expression often cause people to be othered, discriminated against, pathologized, brutalized etc. Right now we are seeing the attack on human variance & non conformity in the world of women’s sports which is racist, sexist, transphobic and an overall gross violation of human rights. In particular this episode we will be following up with the story we shared of Caster Semenya. Caster Semenya: is a South African Olympic track runner and two time gold medalist in the 800 meter.Caster has been thrusted into the spotlight and are helping to undo so dreadful policies that limit certain bodies (in particular trans and gender non conforming folks) from competing as their true selves in women’s sports. **Update** The Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld a regulation that will require some female track athletes with naturally-elevated testosterone levels to lower those levels with drugs or surgery, if they want to compete in certain women's events on the international stage. Some additional subjects discussed in this Episode: **racism, gender essentialism and trans hatred in sports****Why are we targeting folks in sports who are already so deeply targeted in other areas of society?**Othering of trans women (trans women are women PERIOD!)There is no evidence to suggest that that trans are stealing anything. If you are good at the sport it is your athleticism which has nothing to do with the other athlete of their identity. **Why the mere existence of transwomen creates so much fear in society.**The conflation of body parts and gender**Sexist notion: that anyone assigned male at birth will automatically beat anyone assigned female at birth. **This informs how we discuss trans athletes, intersex athletes and women in general.**Testosterone not the “male sex hormone,” nor is it the key to athletic performance.**There is no such thing as *looking* transgender. **High profile female athletes (like Martina Navratilova) weaponize that notion and if gives more credence to the notion in the first place. It’s a false criticism of women’s sports in general. ***Notion of this influx of cis men posing as transwomen to gain unfair advantages in competitions. Also carries similar narratives to this fear of cis men posing as trans women taking over bathroom spaces. “In the US, there’s not a single reported instance of this kind of voyeurism occurring in states with legal protections for trans people.”https://www.vox.com/identities/2016/5/13/17938102/transgender-people-bathrooms-locker-rooms-schools

Previous Episode

Episode 5: Big Box Gyms: From the Trainer & Client Perspective

In this episode Candace and Ilya share their thoughts regarding Big Box Gyms and what makes them huge players in the toxic fitness arena. Ilya also speaks candidly about his very short lived & dreadful experience working for one of the world's largest "Big Box Gyms" (Planet Fitness). Ilya highlights the horrible treatment he received as an employee working for one of the largest organizations that promotes a "Judgement Free Zone". This is a great episode that can really help folks think outside of the box of what toxic fitness looks like from a class status perspective. While also highlighting the predatory nature of all big franchise fitness companies. **UPDATE**Planet Fitness CEO has been quietly funding antigay politicians, including Trump, for years.https://www.queerty.com/planet-fitness-ceo-quietly-funding-antigay-politicians-including-trump-years-20191001Please consider becoming a member of our Patreon to get the latest information about upcoming workshops & giveaways! By becoming a member for just $5 a month you'll also get access to extensive show notes jammed packed with great resources! Decolonizing Fitness doesn't currently have the support of sponsors so we desperately need your help in sustaining this podcast.Visit: https://www.patreon.com/DecolonizingFitnessYou can also check us out on Itunes & Spotify

Next Episode

Episode 7: What's in Store for 2020!

Welcome to our first episode of 2020! In this episode Candace and I talk about swimming through all the diet industry bs trying to convince us that we need to shrink our bodies via intentional weight loss. We also share the big things we have in store individually and with the podcast!I know the new year is a time when people often make resolutions about "dieting" and changing their bodies, not only that but the diet industry is spending the majority of their advertising dollars right now...and that can feel very overwhelming and intensify already existing negative feelings about our bodies. But I just want to let you know, you don’t have to dedicate your life to looking different. You were made for more than striving to be smaller. Not only are diets and weight loss plans typically not effective in the long run, you don’t need to lose weight. You are valid and deserving of love right now no matter what size you are. I hope you’ll join me this year in seeking a place of body peace whatever that feels like for you. Body peace might look super different for different folks especially trans folks and people with disabilities but whatever your relationship with your body is I hope you find some calm and some self compassion.