Featured Image Credit: Golf NSW
Topics: Transgender, Sport
Callum Jones
In a lot of realms of sport, the participation of transgender women against biological females has sparked much heated debate.
Most recently, World Athletics banned transgender women from competing in female categories at international events.
In March, the governing body's president, Lord Coe, said that no transgender athlete that had gone through male puberty would be able to compete from 31 March.
However, Coe did say 'we're not saying forever', suggesting transgender women may be able to compete in international events in the future.
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But for now, they are not allowed, though other sports do actually allow transgender women to compete - but that hasn't come without its criticism.
Transgender University of Pennsylvania swimmer, Lia Thomas, took part in the NCAA women's swimming during the 2021-2022 season.
Last year, Thomas won the US' top trophy in university sports, as she swam to victory in the women's 500 yard freestyle race.
After that, a massive debate sparked regarding the fairness of transgender women competing against biological women in sports.
It even led to some protesting at events, who argued that Thomas had an unfair advantage, because of her time living as a man.
And now, a victory by transgender golfer, Breanna Gill, for the Australian Women’s Classic has added more fuel to the already heated debate.
Gill, who is a biological male, has been playing professionally in women's tournaments for eights years, and started off in the sport when trans rights were very different to what they are now.
Understandably, Gill was eager to celebrate her first win, which was a big win for the trans community as well, but she was met with some horrible comments online.
In fact, after her first classic win, Gill was reportedly met with numerous hate messages, including death threats, which led to her shutting down her Instagram and Twitter accounts.
Speaking to The Sunday Sydney Morning Herald, WPGA Tour of Australasia chief Karen Lunn said: "It’s the biggest win of her life. It’s really sad that she can’t celebrate that win."
Lunn also said that tweets the WPGA Tour of Australasia posted about Gill have been deleted for the sake of Thomas' well being.
Speaking shortly after her first win, Gill said: "I had always had a good feeling that I might have an opportunity to win this golf tournament one day.
"For it to actually happen is just incredible. I can’t actually believe it."