“Trans women are not a threat to women’s sport”: Lia Thomas faces massive backlash from Twitterati for defensive statements

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The recent controversy on transgender swimmer Lia Thomas has made quite the headlines, as a recent win of hers at the NCAA championships took the world by storm. Several athletes, coaches, parents and individuals alike felt that Thomas was given an unfair victory, saying that she had an “inherent unfair advantage”.

Several fellow competitors wrote a letter to the governing body of the NCAA in order to help solve this issue, since they felt this to be a jeopardy to women’s sport. Several famous individuals denounced Thomas‘ victory including Mike Pence and Caitlyn Jenner. After facing much backlash, Thomas gave an interview recently. “The biggest misconception, I think, is the reason I transitioned,” Thomas said according to totalprosports.com. “People will say, ‘Oh, she just transitioned so she would have an advantage, so she could win.’ I transitioned to be happy, to be true to myself. Trans women are not a threat to women’s sport.”

Twitterati furious at Lia Thomas’ statements

Lia Thomas
Lia Thomas

“Trans people don’t transition for athletics. We transition to be happy and authentic and our true selves. Transitioning to get an advantage is not something that ever factors into our decisions,” said Lia Thomas. This caused much backlash amongst twitter viewers, who simply thought it was not fair.

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Others thought that the creation of a new division was important for all transgender athletes to maintain equality.

Needless to say, Lia Thomas will continue to face a lot of backlash, as very few people seem to agree with her competing in women’s sports. Yet, Thomas said, “I’m a woman, just like anybody else on the team,” she said as she continues to swim.

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