Facts vs. Fear: The Truth About Trans Athletes and Political Scapegoating
The real numbers behind trans athletes reveal how misinformation fuels political scapegoating. Stay informed and discover ways to help.
The experiences of trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse people have become increasingly politicized, resulting in real harm in everyday lives. This post aims to highlight the truth amidst a storm of distortions perpetuated by political rhetoric.
The Reality of Trans Athletes in College Sports According to NCAA President Charlie Baker (former Republican Governor of Massachusetts), fewer than 10 out of 510,000 college athletes are transgender—amounting to just 0.002% of all college athletes. Source: KGET News
The Truth About Trans Athletes in K–12 Sports The group "Save Women’s Sports," which advocates for banning transgender athletes from girls’ sports, has identified only five trans athletes competing in K–12 school sports nationwide. Source: PinkNews
The Politics of Scapegoating Trans people are being used as scapegoats for political gain—a tactic long documented by sociologists. As Richard T. Schaefer explains in Prejudice in Society: Sociological Perspectives:
"The theory of scapegoating suggests that an individual, rather than accepting guilt for some failure, transfers responsibility for failure to a vulnerable group."
Source: ScienceDirect
We've seen similar tactics before—fear-mongering attempts to vilify gay men and women to distract from systemic issues. Now, the target has shifted to the trans and nonbinary community. As therapists and caseworkers, we know that confronting difficult truths fosters resilience and connection. Yet in politics, these truths are often twisted to justify harm.
The impact of anti-trans legislation is real and deeply damaging. By staying informed and sharing accurate information, we can push back against misinformation and offer meaningful support to those affected.
Resources for Trans and Nonbinary People If you or someone you know is seeking support, here are some trusted resources:
Trans Lifeline: A peer-support and crisis hotline run by and for trans people. www.translifeline.org
Trans Justice Funding Project: A community-led funding initiative supporting grassroots trans justice groups across the U.S. www.transjusticefundingproject.org
The Trevor Project: 24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ youth. www.thetrevorproject.org
National Center for Transgender Equality: Advocacy, education, and resources for transgender people. www.transequality.org
GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality: Resources for finding LGBTQ-affirming healthcare providers. www.glma.org
Let’s continue to amplify truth, compassion, and support in the face of misinformation.
