FYI, I have in the past I contributed a few categories to the list where men and women go by different rules. Here’s another, I couldn’t figure out how to add it to the list.
Tour de France Femmes and the men's Tour de France differ significantly in race length, prize money, and structural calendar placement. The men's race spans 21 stages over roughly 3,320 km, while the women's race features 9 intense stages covering approximately 1,175 km with no rest days
It is fairly new so it doesn’t have the press and following of the men’s race but hopefully it will get much more interest. As of now men can win €500,000 and women €50,000 in prize money
I really enjoyed this. I particularly like the line about it taking courage to reexamine one's convictions. If ever I'm wrong about anything, I definitely want you to write my apology. :)
This is an eloquent expression of your views on the subject, many of which I agree with. But you're not going to change Billie Jean King's mind by calling her a liar and a coward. You don't even consider the possibility that she sincerely believes what she is saying. I think a better strategy would be to respond to whatever arguments she has made justifying her position. That is what you have done in most of your other writings on this subject, and it is a far more compelling and respectful strategy than this.
She doesn’t make public arguments beyond “inclusion” and “non-discrimination” & I have reason to believe she can tell males from females & agrees w us but just can’t bring herself to “go there” publicly yet. I don’t think she’s a liar or coward & did not say that. Glad U enjoy my other work. I always do my best to be respectful.
Well, you could start by saying what you have said elsewhere: that trans people are not being discriminated against, because they can still play on men's teams. Or that nobody thinks heavyweight boxers are being excluded when they don't get a chance to fight featherweight boxers. That's what you usually do, and it's a lot more convincing.
You didn't use the words "Liar and Coward" which is definitely worth something in an online discussion. But I think she is likely to read what you are saying as implying that. You are saying that she is saying something she doesn't believe to be true, which is the definition of a liar. And if she is lying because she is afraid of the consequences of saying what she thinks, that is pretty much an example of cowardice. (Although it may be forgivable cowardice, given the level of abuse received by those of us who speak up on this subject) You may be right about both of these claims, in which case your message might stir her conscience. But if she genuinely believes that trans people should be allowed to play on women's teams, she is likely to be insulted by your letter.
So cool. Got me through high school. My vision board. Remained in my bedroom in my parents’ house until they sold it many years later. Disappointed I could not find an image of it online – could only find that button - a little different.
If Sophie Cunningham , who has far more to lose , and is constantly in the public eye , can declare that it is only "common sense" to have girls compete in leagues of their own , then I see no excuse for Billie Jean King. There are moments in time when you are called upon to be clear on who you are , and which side of history you should be remembered. MLK said , “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” This is that moment in time for BJK , and becomes her legacy ; there is no middle ground.
If I were a pro athlete scared of the negative and angry threats received by the likes of Martina and Sophie Cunningham, I'd say, "You know, I'm wondering about transmen and nonbinary athletes. Whose speaks for them? Are they ok? Why don't we ever talk about them? Take Swedish skier, Elis Lundholm, or Nikki Hiltz, the America track and field star. They identify as transgender but compete in the female category in the Olympics. I'm concerned with their emotional distress having to compete with women. Of course, neither would qualify for their Olympic teams in the male divisions, but how does that make them feel? And I'm so glad they don't seem to receive the hate that transwomen athletes receives." Do you think a pro athlete that says this would still get the onslaught of hate Martina et al. are getting? Would they get the point of the real reason why people are objecting to males in women's sports?
Subtle arguments are not their strong suit. But try it and report back! 😊 So far, we have definitely made the case that if women can compete in the women’s category, regardless of their gender identity, so can men compete in the men’s. But your faux concern for them and their mental health is a new angle.
I agree. I also hate the fact that Shaquille O’Neil said people were just stupid if they thought male should be allowed to compete in the women’s category. He called them stupid over and over again. Where is the hate for Shaq? (Mind you, I like Shaq and I’m glad he isn’t getting the hate, but still. The women who speak up get attacked way more).
What a great speech! So informative too - putting BJK into an historical context. I have been so confused, bewildered and actually quite angry with her stance on this issue. I do so hope that she will come back around to the realities of sex and join Martina in the protection of female sport. This would do so much towards repairing her legacy. She will get a lot of respect if she does make it and signals to the world that she is back ‘on side’ with protecting sports for women. I honestly don’t understand how you can be a lesbian, yet turn your back on women to favour males stealing our sports!
Thank you, Jules. I’ve given it a lot of thought, and this is my best guess about what’s going on. Tribal ties are strong, and the T now dominates the whole rainbow.
Three take aways: Women's Rights and Civil Rights are never ending battles with champions who never get to just rest from the fight. Mariah calls out the strongest women to use their voices just as powerfully as she uses hers. Mariah models going after things that matter and makes it easy for others to do the same!
Billie Jean King has the platform to do so much good on behalf of girls & women’s sports — taking that burden from young girls. We need her leadership - it will be invaluable. 🌟
FYI, I have in the past I contributed a few categories to the list where men and women go by different rules. Here’s another, I couldn’t figure out how to add it to the list.
Tour de France Femmes and the men's Tour de France differ significantly in race length, prize money, and structural calendar placement. The men's race spans 21 stages over roughly 3,320 km, while the women's race features 9 intense stages covering approximately 1,175 km with no rest days
It is fairly new so it doesn’t have the press and following of the men’s race but hopefully it will get much more interest. As of now men can win €500,000 and women €50,000 in prize money
Thank you, Betty
I really enjoyed this. I particularly like the line about it taking courage to reexamine one's convictions. If ever I'm wrong about anything, I definitely want you to write my apology. :)
Ha. Fortunately you will never be wrong. Batting 100 so far.
This is an eloquent expression of your views on the subject, many of which I agree with. But you're not going to change Billie Jean King's mind by calling her a liar and a coward. You don't even consider the possibility that she sincerely believes what she is saying. I think a better strategy would be to respond to whatever arguments she has made justifying her position. That is what you have done in most of your other writings on this subject, and it is a far more compelling and respectful strategy than this.
She doesn’t make public arguments beyond “inclusion” and “non-discrimination” & I have reason to believe she can tell males from females & agrees w us but just can’t bring herself to “go there” publicly yet. I don’t think she’s a liar or coward & did not say that. Glad U enjoy my other work. I always do my best to be respectful.
Well, you could start by saying what you have said elsewhere: that trans people are not being discriminated against, because they can still play on men's teams. Or that nobody thinks heavyweight boxers are being excluded when they don't get a chance to fight featherweight boxers. That's what you usually do, and it's a lot more convincing.
You didn't use the words "Liar and Coward" which is definitely worth something in an online discussion. But I think she is likely to read what you are saying as implying that. You are saying that she is saying something she doesn't believe to be true, which is the definition of a liar. And if she is lying because she is afraid of the consequences of saying what she thinks, that is pretty much an example of cowardice. (Although it may be forgivable cowardice, given the level of abuse received by those of us who speak up on this subject) You may be right about both of these claims, in which case your message might stir her conscience. But if she genuinely believes that trans people should be allowed to play on women's teams, she is likely to be insulted by your letter.
I only wish BJK had written this. I admired her so much
Same. And I still do. We’ve all got our blind spots, our allegiances, our vulnerabilities, our timelines for awakening. Fingers crossed.
I am so jealous of your “You’ve come a long way, Baby,” banner. Okay, maybe not unless she changes course toute suite.
So cool. Got me through high school. My vision board. Remained in my bedroom in my parents’ house until they sold it many years later. Disappointed I could not find an image of it online – could only find that button - a little different.
I loved this. She needs to stand up and lead or IMO her legacy will be forever tarnished.
Such an enjoyable read! C'mon, Billie Jean, how can you resist Mariah? Brava, brava.
Ha. We’ll see… Maybe she’ll take me up on it. TERFS are nothing if not optimistic.
True that. But how she can also resist Martina is beyond the scope of comprehension for me.
Yes. Only by avoiding her altogether can she avoid being persuaded by her.
If Sophie Cunningham , who has far more to lose , and is constantly in the public eye , can declare that it is only "common sense" to have girls compete in leagues of their own , then I see no excuse for Billie Jean King. There are moments in time when you are called upon to be clear on who you are , and which side of history you should be remembered. MLK said , “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” This is that moment in time for BJK , and becomes her legacy ; there is no middle ground.
If I were a pro athlete scared of the negative and angry threats received by the likes of Martina and Sophie Cunningham, I'd say, "You know, I'm wondering about transmen and nonbinary athletes. Whose speaks for them? Are they ok? Why don't we ever talk about them? Take Swedish skier, Elis Lundholm, or Nikki Hiltz, the America track and field star. They identify as transgender but compete in the female category in the Olympics. I'm concerned with their emotional distress having to compete with women. Of course, neither would qualify for their Olympic teams in the male divisions, but how does that make them feel? And I'm so glad they don't seem to receive the hate that transwomen athletes receives." Do you think a pro athlete that says this would still get the onslaught of hate Martina et al. are getting? Would they get the point of the real reason why people are objecting to males in women's sports?
Subtle arguments are not their strong suit. But try it and report back! 😊 So far, we have definitely made the case that if women can compete in the women’s category, regardless of their gender identity, so can men compete in the men’s. But your faux concern for them and their mental health is a new angle.
I agree. I also hate the fact that Shaquille O’Neil said people were just stupid if they thought male should be allowed to compete in the women’s category. He called them stupid over and over again. Where is the hate for Shaq? (Mind you, I like Shaq and I’m glad he isn’t getting the hate, but still. The women who speak up get attacked way more).
What a great speech! So informative too - putting BJK into an historical context. I have been so confused, bewildered and actually quite angry with her stance on this issue. I do so hope that she will come back around to the realities of sex and join Martina in the protection of female sport. This would do so much towards repairing her legacy. She will get a lot of respect if she does make it and signals to the world that she is back ‘on side’ with protecting sports for women. I honestly don’t understand how you can be a lesbian, yet turn your back on women to favour males stealing our sports!
Thank you, Jules. I’ve given it a lot of thought, and this is my best guess about what’s going on. Tribal ties are strong, and the T now dominates the whole rainbow.
Three take aways: Women's Rights and Civil Rights are never ending battles with champions who never get to just rest from the fight. Mariah calls out the strongest women to use their voices just as powerfully as she uses hers. Mariah models going after things that matter and makes it easy for others to do the same!
Thank you!🙏💜🙏
Billie Jean King has the platform to do so much good on behalf of girls & women’s sports — taking that burden from young girls. We need her leadership - it will be invaluable. 🌟
Yes, and people do change, as we know. This would be huge, if she can summon her courage yet again.
Absolutely brilliant speech Mariah - lets hope Billie Jean makes it!!
Ooh, thank you, Martin! Let’s hope, indeed.
We can only hope that by encouraging truth to power, you’ve made it easier for BJK to admit the need for course correction.
Beautifully done 🙏
Thanks so much, DC. Felt a need to add my voice to that of Martina, XX-XY, all those teenage girls, and so many others.