Since winning the NCAA title in 2019, transgender athlete CeCe Telfer has observed a rise in anti-transgender sentiment, particularly following the Trump administration's policies on transgender athletes in sports. In a recent CNN interview, Telfer voiced concerns about increased hostility and the impact on her personal safety.
Former President Trump's executive order, aiming to bar transgender women from competing in women's sports, and the Department of Education's call to revoke past titles won by transgender women, have intensified the debate. Telfer expressed feeling targeted due to her intersecting identities and the struggle to feel safe and accepted. Despite this, she emphasizes her resilience and determination to live authentically.
Telfer, a contributing member of society, questioned the rationale behind excluding transgender individuals. She expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with various organizations, including the Trump administration, to foster understanding and address the issue of transgender inclusion in sports. She believes in the power of face-to-face conversations to bridge divides and humanize the discussion.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by anti-trans rhetoric and calls to revoke titles, Telfer sees her 2019 victory as a testament to resilience and a historical marker of progress. She criticized efforts to erase transgender athletes from sports history, arguing that such actions go against the principles of education and progressiveness. Telfer also expressed disappointment in the NCAA's perceived shift in stance on transgender athletes, suggesting they were influenced by political pressure.
Despite being ruled ineligible for the U.S. Olympic trials in 2021, Telfer's 2019 NCAA title remains a significant moment in the ongoing conversation surrounding transgender athletes in sports.
