Reacción a "A review finds no differences in physical performance between trans women and cis women, even though they have more muscle mass"

Of course, the research—which can be considered high quality—raises doubts where, apparently, there were none. As it points out, just one to three years after starting hormone treatment, there is a clear convergence in the functional performance of transgender women with that of cisgender women, particularly in strength and aerobic capacity. At the very least, this should lead to a rethinking of certain maximalist positions in the field of competitive sport.

On the other hand, it is worth highlighting the significant limitations of the study, mainly relating to the small number of transgender athletes in elite sport, which makes it difficult for this type of work to achieve the statistical power necessary to offer categorical results. Therefore, further research is needed.

The problem, from my point of view—more that of a field technician than a scientist, even though I have participated in research on this topic—lies more on the social than the physiological level. Sports federations are not doing enough to promote policies for the inclusion of transgender people in competition, which deepens the distress these individuals may suffer, with unpredictable consequences for their mental health. Science will take time to resolve this issue; however, there are young people who are missing out on opportunities to compete and feel discriminated against as a result.

Therefore, beyond the need for further research, I believe it is urgent to explore ways for transgender athletes to participate that do not violate the principle of “physiological equality” that is supposed to govern sport. The solution may not be easy in some sports, but I am convinced that in others it is not so difficult.