Transgender high-school runner criticized after winning state competition

TRANS women, who are designated male at birth but identify and live as female, frequently confront severe societal hurdles. These difficulties originate from deeply entrenched preconceptions and widespread discrimination. 

Stereotypes about trans women are frequently rooted from ignorance and transphobia. Common prejudices include the belief that trans women are “deceptive” or “tricking” others about their gender identity. 

This detrimental stereotype might lead to the mistaken belief that their gender identification is less valid than that of cisgender people. This lack of representation feeds into a greater cultural bias toward trans women. 

However, trans women participating in women’s competitions continue to be heavily questioned today. Many people believe they have an unfair advantage over biological women. 

This is what a transgender high-school runner went through when she won a girls’ state championship but was booed by the stadium crowd, ruining her joyous moment.

Aayden Gallegher received harsh and disparaging remarks after winning the Oregon Girls’ 6A 200-meter state championship on Saturday, May 18, at the Oregon School Activities Association.

As seen on social media, a successful moment transformed into a dreadful memory for the trans lady. Riley Gaines, a sophomore swimmer at McDaniel High School, shared a video on X [previously Twitter] of the audience booing her.

Gallegher crossed the finish line ahead of Aster Jones, a student from Roosevelt High School. She finished ahead of Jones with a timing of 23.82, although Jones was close behind with 24.02. 

Gaines followed up with a second video of the award ceremonies, in which Jones was complimented and cheered louder than the winner. “Stop saying girls are okay with this because they aren’t,” she said in the post. 

Meanwhile, the Oregon School Activities Association’s executive director, Peter Weber, has defended the organization’s trans-inclusive policy for athletes. 

He said that discrimination based on sexual orientation has long been prohibited in Oregon. 

In 2019, the Oregon legislature broadened the definition of “sexual orientation” to include “gender identity,” and the Oregon Department of Education updated its regulations to include “gender identity.”