Boise State University’s volleyball team allegedly recently forfeited a game because they assumed a player on the opposing team is transgender. Set to play against San Jose State University on Saturday, Sept. 28, the school instead issued a statement announcing the forfeit the day prior.
While the statement did not explicitly give a reason as to why the team chose to back out of the match, consensus from speculators is that the forfeit occurred because of SJSU player Blaire Flemings. Flemings is a third-year volleyball player and the subject of controversy that she is a transgender woman. Regardless of the lack of transparency, BSU’s refusal to confirm or deny the allegations speaks volumes about the true intentions behind the forfeit.
It’s not uncommon for labels to be thrown around in conservative areas. Transphobia, homophobia, racism: these are all things you’d never want to see or experience on a college campus where one goes to experience education and diversity at a larger scale.
BSU offers a course known as ACAD 101, a college preparation and Diversity, Equality and Inclusivity course. This course stresses how the Boise campus prides itself on community and inclusivity. BSU advertises itself as a picturesque, bigshot school with academics and athletics at heart. With knowledge that BSU allegedly chose to forfeit a volleyball game because of an opposing team’s player’s gender identity, BSU’s morals and inclusivity should be questioned.
Why would any student or prospective student desire to enroll at a school they feel unwelcome at? State Governor Brad Little spoke in support of BSU’s decision to forfeit the match against San Jose, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that it was ensuring “player safety for all of our female athletes and continuing the fight for fairness in women’s sports.” If it’s fairness they’re fighting for, why not grant that equality to trans women, who are women in their own right?
Say what you want about trans sports. Argue over their genetic composition, their metabolism and their muscle mass. God forbid you ever come up with a solution, though. These people want to play sports, something they’re passionate about just like any biologically identifying female or male. If BSU or Little care so much about trans people playing alongside cis athletes, they should come up with an answer such as the creation of a separate league.
Transgender people deserve joy like any other human, whether that’s by being an NCAA athlete, Sundance Film Festival Awardee or the next Taylor Swift. We’re all humans. We all deserve affection, happiness and the pursuit of meaning in life.
If you’re so insecure about playing against someone who identifies as transgender in a volleyball match, fund a separate league. Give them equal TV coverage and funding. Or, just let them find themselves through the camaraderie of having a team like any other collegiate athlete. At the end of the day, trans people are just like any other person with passions.
So, play ball. Don’t pass bills stifling team spirit and diversity. Be the change, not the regression.
Maddie
The transphobic comments here only reinforce the ignorance regarding actual science, peer reviewed science mind you, that indicates trans women who undergo testosterone suppression have no physical advantages over cis women. The fact that this institution of higher learning ignores actual scientifically based evidence such as this calls into question the competence of the institution itself. This is frightening to see in the voices here who I assume would think of themselves as students. If you don't believe me go do your own research. Look for actual peer reviewed studies that have been published in reputable medical journals, not "studies" put out by think tanks with questionable methodologies. The science is out there, but unfortunately, if hate and bigotry is the new standard I fear we are doomed. And on a another note, it's pathetic that the argument has become that we need to "protect" women. As if women are weak and delicate. This infantilizing of women is precisely what the women's rights movement has been fighting against. When you attack trans women you attack all women.
Sarah
"If BSU or Little care so much about trans people playing alongside cis athletes, they should come up with an answer such as the creation of a separate league." Exactly - except the onus is on the trans community to create their own league. Trans supporters are acting like a bunch of bratty bullies, trying to step into logically established organizations, leagues, etc. and demanding "fairness." It is NOT fair to the women. I can't wrap my head around anyone thinking this is okay. This feels a lot like if someone were to come into my home and start demanding that I rearrange the furniture and replace my dishes because he doesn't like the way they function for him or her. Sir, ma'am, create your own space.
Al
Trans rights are human rights. I hope this player's team supports her, especially with all of the transphobes accusing her of being predatory on the internet. It's hard enough to be a trans woman, the national spotlight put on her and her team does not make it any safer.
TB
Wow! By all means, ignore biology and reality and throw out those increasingly overused threats of appearing transphobic, homophobic, and racist. It's really very simple. Men should compete against men and women should compete against women, regardless of the gender they have chosen for themselves.
MB
You’re the bias one. I’m proud that they stood up for women. Men shouldn’t be playing, changing in same locker room or anything else “trans” try to wheedle in. I’m a woman and proud of it, give young women a chance
Joey
After what happened to Payton McNabb, it is disgusting to say that trans volleyball players should be playing against women. If they want to play, they can play against men where they won't have an unfair advantage and won't put opposing players at risk.
Tammy
Good for them, it is not fair for women. If you have to put trans in front of what you are then that shows there is a disadvantage. When you throw women under the bus then you show your bias.