What Is the T in LGBT? Supporting Transgender Athletes Through Sport Psychology

Abstract

Being an out trans-athlete I've learned that you have to [be] mentally tougher than all of your competitors, and willing to sacrifice more and work harder to accomplish the same thing as your competitors. I guess that should make my accomplishments mean even more to me but I find it to be a double edged sword in that my accomplishments do mean something but I work and drive myself into the ground mentally and physically for track, and yet I am still seen as a nobody in track and field not because I can't throw but because I'm trans. There are days where I wonder if it is worth [it,] since being an elite athlete you sacrifice your life no matter your identity but when for me I closet my identity again. I continue to live in skin I can't even look at in the mirror to throw [sic]. People have asked me if it is worth it or why I sacrifice my identity. That answer is relatively simple. I love to throw.

Sport and Transgender People: A Systematic Review of the Literature Relating to Sport Participation and Competitive Sport Policies

“…First, the policy excludes transgender people who choose not to have gender-confirming surgery owing to a lack of genital dysphoria (distress), medical reasons, fears about risk during operations, and/or because of other personal reasons [28, 62, 63]. The 2004 IOC [18] policy also excludes transgender people who are in the process of transitioning.…”

Current Events and Teachable Moments

“…• Emphasize that supporting diverse teammates is part of being a team player (Griffin & Carroll, 2010;Lucas-Carr & Krane, 2011).…”

“…Athletes who "failed" their sex test were disqualified from competition (Dickenson et al). Today, sex testing occurs on a case-by-case basis when suspicions are raised about an athlete's gender (Lucas-Carr & Krane, 2011).…”

Mental health issues and psychological factors in athletes: detection, management, effect on performance and prevention: American Medical Society for Sports Medicine Position Statement—Executive Summary

“…The creation of a strong supportive environment that is welcoming to sexual minorities is key to the MH of the athlete and the sports team. (SORT A)10 11…”