Journalists on a Journey: Towards Responsible Media on Transgender Participation in Sport

Drafting behind LGB: Transgender athletes in the sport of cycling

“…However, this research somewhat contrasts with previous studies. The results of this research showed that whilst sexual minorities were held in higher regard than gender minorities within the sport of cycling, the variance was not as significant as we might expect given the media reporting of trans athletes in recent years (Thorpe et al, 2023). It appears that social attitudes towards transgender cyclists may be drafting off the positive attitudes towards gay and lesbian cyclists.…”

“…As debates around policy continue across sport, trans issues in sport are increasingly reported in popular media (Cashmore et al, 2019;Thorpe et al, 2023), and cycling has also been prominent in this context. This is especially so with Austin Killip recently becoming the first transgender athlete to win a UCI women's stage race at the Tour of the Gila in New Mexico (BBC Sport, 2023a, 2023b, which has triggered the UCI to 're-open consultation' on its transgender policy (BBC Sport, 2023a, 2023b.…”

“…Regardless of the ongoing debates around biological advantage, the backlash has been widespread demonization and often insensitive media reporting around trans women competing in cycling. Furthermore, the issue within sport has acted as a pedestal for cultural, and importantly political, discussions around gender writ large, and has attracted journalists, politicians, policy makers, athletes, scientists and the public to voice their opinions on the subject (Thorpe et al, 2023).…”