Oct 26, 2021, 11:55 AM
by
Grace Whittington
AAPM&R continues to be a #PMRAdvocate on a variety of critical issues impacting the specialty and the patients we serve. We just released a new position statement on the participation of transgender children
and youth in athletics. Our full statement is listed below:
Participation of Transgender Children and Youth in Athletics
AAPM&R remains steadfast in its commitment to equity, inclusion and respect for human dignity. Given the known extensive benefits of exercise and sports participation, AAPM&R believes that all children and youth, including transgender1 children
and youth, should have fair and just opportunities to participate in sports activities. AAPM&R acknowledges that gender identity1 in organized sports is both a highly sensitive and complex matter that necessitates a thoughtful,
evidence-informed approach to balance the multiple issues impacting all athletes’ physical and mental health and safety. Competitive advantage, whether by nature of genetics, coaching and/or opportunity is a known phenomenon in sports and therefore
should not serve as the primary rationale to restrict transgender children and youth from participating in sports in accordance with their gender identity. To address concerns of fairness and safety stemming from competitive advantage among some transgender
athletes, organizing bodies of competitive and recreational sports should establish and enforce criteria that are scientifically sound.
We will continue to be a #PMRAdvocate in efforts to maximize patients’ independence in activities of daily living and improve quality of life. To see our latest advocacy updates, visit our Academy in Action page.
References:
1. Rafferty J; COMMITTEE ON PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH; COMMITTEE ON ADOLESCENCE; SECTION ON LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER HEALTH AND WELLNESS. Ensuring Comprehensive Care and Support for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children
and Adolescents. Pediatrics. 2018 Oct;142(4):e20182162. doi: 10.1542/peds.2018-2162. Epub 2018 Sep 17. PMID: 30224363