Transexual on women’s basketball team means a step closer to a more accepting society

On Dec. 1, 50-year old Gabrielle Ludwig made her college basketball debut for Mission Community College in Santa Clara playing against College of the Siskiyous. In addition to being the tallest, heaviest and most muscular player on the team — towering more than a foot over her teammates at 6’8’’ and weighing 220 pounds — Ludwig is also a transexual, having surgically completed her transition from man to woman in July.

Ever since Mission College has given her clearance to compete, Ludwig has been the center of attention and at the receiving end of many mixed reactions.

Many condemn the fact that although she may now own a female birth certificate, Ludwig still has the muscle tone and strength of a man and therefore should not be playing on a women’s team. Although this is true, one cannot ignore the fact that she is 30 years older than most of her teammates and opponents, which is a clear disadvantage.

In addition to the physical concerns regarding her addition to the team, Ludwig has also been the victim of verbal abuse from opponents, many of whom do not respect her as a female and Mission Community College’s decision to accept her as a female.

Harassed by online threats and anonymous calls, as well as insults from players and supporters of opposing teams, Mission College has assigned Ludwig safer parking closest to the gym and under the watch of two police officers. In addition, two ESPN radio hosts have recently mocked her looks over live broadcast, referring to Ludwig a “he/she” before finally settling with “it.”

If anything, Ludwig should be able to pursue her passion for basketball without the incessant disapproval of others. Having struggled with her sexuality for most of her life, Ludwig has only recently embraced her sexual identity and gathered the courage to pursue her passion despite the obstacles she knew would be in her way.

Instead of being alienated for her sexuality, Ludwig should be praised for her courage. Her teammates see her as an inspiration and symbol of individualism; she deserves the utmost respect.

The world of sports is still lagging behind in accepting the gray area of sexuality and gender, due to its highly traditional and gender-based background. Ludwig’s debut is a huge step forward towards the acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) sports players, but the controversy is far from over.

Already stirring up dust in only minor sports rings, transexuals are still miles away from being accepted onto major teams and international competitions, such as the Olympics. As much as I respect Ludwig’s courage as well as the courage of others, I find it hard to find an even level to judge each separate circumstance and deem individuals fit or unfit to play as a certain gender. The situation would be blown up even further out of proportion if a similar situation happened to a professional team, and the opposition would never cease.

Ludwig’s college basketball debut is memorable and laudable, but the physical difference between a man and a woman is undeniable, unchangeable by a transition between two sexes. If the another situation appeared where a woman who transitioned to be become a man wanted to join a men’s basketball team, would he be accepted considering his physical shortcomings?

The world is constantly evolving and changing and the boundaries of gender are becoming increasingly blurred. Hopefully people will adapt to this change and encourage progress, instead of focusing negativity at people like Ludwig, but a change in cultural mindset does not come quickly. Despite the long road ahead, the world is slowing becoming a more accepting society thanks to people like Ludwig whose endless courage has inspired her teammates and community.