HomeLifestyleTransgender sprinter to represent...

Transgender sprinter to represent Italy at Paris 2024 Paralympics

Valentina Petrillo, 50, will compete in the T12 events for visually impaired athletes, facing criticism and advocating for inclusion

Italian sprinter Valentina Petrillo, 50, has been selected to represent Italy in Para-Athletics at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, a major achievement for the LGBTQIA+ movement. Petrillo will compete in the women’s T12 category, which is reserved for visually impaired athletes, in the 200 and 400 meter events. Her participation in the Paralympics marks a historic moment for queer people, as she is the first trans woman to compete in the Games.

In response to criticism over her participation in the women’s category, Petrillo told BBC Sport that her inclusion in the event was an important symbol of diversity and acceptance. “It’s not a lifestyle choice, it’s who I am,” she said. She argued that, like race, religion and political ideology, gender identity should not be a reason for discrimination.

Petrillo began his gender transition in January 2019, when he began hormone replacement therapy. Since then, his journey as a transgender athlete has sparked debate in the sports world. In 2021, more than 30 athletes signed a petition against Petrillo’s participation in women’s competitions, which was sent to the Italian Athletics Federation and the Ministries of Equal Opportunities and Sports.

Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), said Petrillo was welcome to compete in Paris, in line with World Para Athletics’ current policies. He stressed, however, the need for greater cohesion between transgender policies across different sports organizations.

Petrillo acknowledges that his presence at the Paralympics raises questions, but believes that only a “minority” understands the reality experienced by transgender athletes. His participation in Paris will be a milestone in the fight for LGBT+ inclusion and diversity in sport.

By Ezatamentchy

Source: Maxima

- A word from our sponsors -

Most Popular

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More from Author

- A word from our sponsors -

Read Now

22-year from the Netsky Proprusia Party AFD Voeval aside

The representative of the AFD professional party secretly fought with the armed forces against the Russian Federation. .in_text_content_22 {width: 300px; Height: 600px; } @Media (min-width: 600px) {.in_text_content_22 {width: 580px; Height: 400px; }} .Adsbygoogle {Touch-Action: Manipulation; } 22-year-old Tim Skramm, deputy chairman...

The attack of the Russian Federation in Harkov is critical, one of the large boiler houses speaks (photo)

As a result of Russian attacks in Kharkiv, one of the large district boilers was critically damaged. .in_text_content_22 {width: 300px; Height: 600px; } @Media (min-width: 600px) {.in_text_content_22 {width: 580px; Height: 400px; }} .Adsbygoogle {Touch-Action: Manipulation; } According to KP "Harkiva Heating...

Trump and von der Lein will be connected

On July 27, Scotland will meet with the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Lein with US President Donald Trump. According to von der Lane, the main topic of negotiations will be trade relations between the EU and the USA. .in_text_content_22 {width:...

In the “people of the servants”, the draft law on reconciliation SAP and Nabu

The “Servant of People” faction will be supported by the presidential bill on the return of independence SAP and Nabu. The information that up to 70 deputies cannot vote is not true, the Yulia Palichuk faction told the public press secretary. .in_text_content_22 {width: 300px;...

In the “people of the servants”, the draft law on reconciliation SAP and Nabu

The “Servant of People” faction will be supported by the presidential bill on the return of independence SAP and Nabu. The information that up to 70 deputies cannot vote is not true, the Yulia Palichuk faction told the public press secretary. .in_text_content_22 {width: 300px;...