New VFLW licence

[Navy Maven]

NM, what do you think about this transgender player nominating, do you think it is fair?

I'm concerned that they'll be immediately bigger and stronger than any opponent, we are not talking about an average person as she is a former Olympian!

Even so, if it wasn't an former Olympian is it fair?

To be honest, I'm really conflicted over this one. I'm obviously very supportive of everyone in the LGBTQI community, but I'm also such a huge supporter of women's sport, particularly the AFLW. My main concern with the whole situation is what sort of negative impact it would have on the marketability of the sport.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I condone the anticipated commentary, but in a country that can't even agree on SSM, I don't think as a society we're capable of being open minded enough about a trans woman playing in our elite competition. I've already seen the plethora of disgusting and derogatory comments on articles relating to Hannah, that would only escalate further if she were to be drafted.

While the AFLW is still in its infancy, I am worried that a move this big will hurt the image of the sport and give the haters even more ammunition to mock it. If this were 10 years down the track and AFLW was fully established with greater credibility in the larger community, then sure, I'd have no problem with it. I just don't want the competition to be hindered before its given a chance to thrive, as unfair as that is.

Not that it was publicised, but a number of highly talented female players were overlooked in last years draft due to concerns about their mental health and history of depression related issues. Part of the reasoning behind that was that the clubs was concerned how they would cope with such intense and often negative scrutiny. Given Hannah has admitted to having experienced similar issues (understandably) due to her transition, surely that same level of caution should be shown?

To add to that, I've read a number of other trans women themselves question the move. Given Hannah has only been transitioning for two years, her body is still only part way through its process of conversion. I know that her testosterone levels are below what the IOC requires of its athletes to compete in womens sports, but given that this is a fairly uncommon issue, are we sure that this is a correct way to measure eligibility? One woman, who was actually the first trans female to play in a womens football team, is quite against the move due to the strength that Hannah still would have at this stage of her transition.

So yeah, basically, if this were 10 years down the track, and maybe Hannah was a few more years into her transition, I'd be very much in favour of the move. I love to see diversity in our sports people. But I fear that the timing isn't right given the immaturity of the competition and current societal views on trans people and LGBTQI issues in general.