Games for trans people would be fairer to all

Well said Sarah Vine in her article last week about how unfair it was for American transgender swimmer Lia Thomas to be allowed to set a record in the

US’s Ivy League university swimming championships.

Of course, transgender women competing in female competitions brings with it built-in advantage for them. It is unfair. Does anyone think flyweight boxers should fight heavyweights?

Why not have the National Lottery fund a Games just for the trans community? That would make it a level playing field.

Tony Carmedy, Navenby, Lincolnshire

Sadly, members of the LGBT+ community continue to face mistrust and hatred on a regular basis.

It is fortunate that Neil

Kinnock’s grandchild, Milo Kinnock, who has recently changed gender, is not related to your columnist Sarah Vine, who takes such great exception to the American trans athlete Lia Thomas competing against women. Vine’s assessment that her participation makes ‘a mockery… of women’s sport’ is mean-spirited, ill-informed and divisive. Keeley-Jasmine Cavendish,

London

Sport’s governing bodies are to blame for allowing this. The only way they would take note would be if the other competitors walked back off the blocks at the start of each race. But if they did that, we know that they would be the ones punished for standing up for their own rights.

P. Cook, Wales

The other competitors have no choice but to compete or face claims of transphobia.

They’re in a lose-lose situation, and it must be very disheartening for them.

U. King, Edinburgh

As if it isn’t difficult enough to be a professional female athlete, given their lack of funding and sponsorship. Now they must face competitors who are bigger and stronger than them. We need to protect women’s sport and safe spaces.

Marcus Olson, Isle of Man

Sarah is right about Lia Thomas – it’s not a fair competition. But

Lia obviously loves swimming and wants to be able to compete. Where can she do this? It’s actually very sad for her.

N. Davis, London

This is very brave of you, Sarah. It will be interesting to see what happens in response to your column. Please follow this up by reporting on the backlash I presume you are now getting.

Dave Adams, Newcastle upon Tyne

Sarah Vine is to be congratulated for supporting women. The Government should protect people like her and their right to free speech, as well as bringing in laws to protect women’s rights.

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