Surfer Bethany Hamilton speaks out about trans inclusion amid Rip Curl backlash

Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton has denounced the inclusion of trans people in women’s sports after sportswear company Rip Curl celebrated a trans athlete on its social media, according to ‘Info Bayouvist’.

Rip Curl posted pictures featuring trans surfer Sasha Lowerson on social media on Thursday (January 25) as part of its “Meet the Local Heroes of Western Australia” campaign – and then faced a backlash akin to that of Bud Light in one Social media post was similar to trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney last year.

Lowerson has been described as a “West Australian waterwoman who loves the freedom of surfing, the departure from the mainstream and the feeling of dancing on ever-changing waves”.

Her photos have since been removed from Rip Curl’s social media platforms.

Lowerson, an Athlete Ally ambassador, has previously spoken about the difficulties she faces, saying, “It may not be easy, but it is possible to be an openly transgender athlete and be a spokesperson for the what is right.”

Rip Curl’s social media post was criticised by opponents of trans inclusion in sports, including outspoken former college swimmer Riley Gaines, who claimed it showed “contempt for women.”

Meanwhile, Hamilton, who lost her left arm in a shark attack 20 years ago, continued to write Twitter/X: “Athletes with male bodies should not participate in women’s sports. Period.”

The American surfer has previously threatened to withdraw from the World Surf League because the trans athlete policy at the time (February 2023) stipulated that trans women were allowed to compete in the women’s division as long as their testosterone levels remained below a certain level.

Image Credit: Canva

“I will not participate in or support the World Surf League if this rule remains in place,” Hamilton said at the time, suggesting a “different division (for trans athletes) so that everyone has a fair opportunity to showcase their passion.” and talent”.

Hamilton’s criticism comes as a number of sports bodies, including Swim England, UK Athletics and USA Cycling, have either restricted the participation of trans athletes or banned them from women’s teams entirely.

Additionally, 24 states in the US, including Texas, Florida and Tennessee, have banned transgender students from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity.

A judge in Arizona temporarily blocked a ban last year, ruling that trans children will “suffer severe and irreparable mental, physical and emotional harm” if they are forced to play on sports teams that do not match their gender identity.

Read related myGwork articles here:

Trans Pro Surfer: “Trans Athletes Are Here To Stay”

Surfer Bethany Hamilton Speaks Out Against Policy Allowing Trans Athletes In Female Category

Wales Government Set to Overhaul Gender Laws to Embrace Trans Inclusion

Majority Of Australian Female Athletes Support The Inclusion Of Trans Women

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