Ebanie Bridges is the current IBF bantamweight world champion. She’s gained a world wide notoriety thanks to her outspoken nature and her sizzling looks that she openly uses to market herself even going so far as to shame the individuals who aren’t willing to do that.
Bridges recently raised concerns about the participation of transgender women in combat sports, emphasizing potential risks to the safety of biological women athletes.
In a detailed Twitter post, Bridges stated, “I have nothing against transgender at all, be what makes you happy BUT the REALITY IS a natural born woman and a trans woman ARE NOT THE SAME.” She further advocated for the establishment of separate divisions for transgender athletes rather than including them in existing categories.
Expressing her unwavering stance, Bridges asserted, “I will never agree to male-born trans women competing in combat sports against women… and if I get hated on for my opinion, I don’t care because it’s my life at risk.”
Bridges’ comments piggy backed on a viral clip we discussed a little while ago.
During a House Rules Committee discussion, Republican Representative Ralph Norman from South California’s 5th district referenced Tyson while arguing against the inclusion of transgender women in cisgender women’s sports.
“With the opportunities that women have now, including in MMA where female athletes are gaining a strong following, what if we were to allow athletes like Mike Tyson to compete? Would that be fair? Imagine a family member of yours participating in that scenario. It’s unjust.”
Takano, while acknowledging the legitimacy of the debate, did not provide a direct answer. He stated:
“MMA organizations would have a lot to say about that. Their position is not an absolute conclusion. They are concerned about fairness in competition. So, it’s a valid topic for discussion.”
The debate surrounding transgender athletes’ participation in sports has gained significant attention over the past year. The World Boxing Council (WBC) became the first major boxing organization to consider implementing regulations for transgender participation. The WBC’s proposals included the introduction of a specific category for transgender boxers, prioritizing safety while promoting inclusion.
While the International Olympic Committee (IOC) emphasizes an inclusive approach in its guidelines, several sports organizations have implemented their own policies. World Rugby, World Athletics, and FINA (the international swimming federation) have enforced bans on transgender women who have experienced male puberty.
In line with these developments, national governing bodies such as British Cycling and Basketball Australia have also introduced restrictions on transgender participation to maintain fair competition.
British Cycling banned transgender women from competing in the female category at all events, aiming to uphold the integrity of the sport. Similarly, Basketball Australia denied transgender player Lexi Rodgers’ application to join the Kilsyth Cobras women’s side in the WNBL1 South basketball league.