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Viewpoint

Title IX guarantees equal opportunity between men and women, not only in regard to competitive
events but also as related to coaching, training facilities, locker rooms, lavatories, and scholarships. In
theory, combining men and women in the same competitions should only be allowed in sports where
physiology makes no difference and/or gives no competitive edge to any participant. Equal opportunity
extends to all levels of physical activity—from intramurals through national competition. Because physical
characteristics do affect performance, swimming should come under this protection. However, Gaines was
not protected by Title IX, and that is the main thrust of her story.
This book is divided into 10 chapters. Each chapter has its own citations, for a total of more than 200
citations well organized at the end of the text. The content is highly readable because Gaines expands
her writing to include more than swim-meet results and Title IX. She provides thoughtful analysis of the
implications for girls and women in general—not just swimmers—of having biological males by extension
having access to women’s locker rooms, bathrooms, and a wide variety of activities hitherto restricted to
women only. She discusses the details involved in becoming transgender, a process she has thoroughly
researched. She questions what policies and practices will mean well into the future as transgender
biological males are in all educational grades, schools, and community physical activity programs and are
allowed access to otherwise private, female-only areas.
Having biologically intact males using locker rooms and lavatories that were until now only for girls
and women raises issues of direct importance to female teachers and to girls and women everywhere. Are
we now to share these private areas? What about privacy? Is there a choice?
Gaine’s basic question is “Can’t we embrace policies that give everyone the chance to compete but
still protect women and ensure they have a fair shot at success?” In the process of striving to answer this
question, additional queries came to my mind that are also very pertinent for women educators:
• Will we still have boys’ and girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms in schools?
• How will we explain physiological anatomical differences to young children?
• What role should parents play in making school-based, personal-care decisions?
• What school-based physical activity programs should be offered to our children?
As I read this book, all of these questions and more came to mind. This is a thought-provoking publication.
Many decisions are yet to be made, ranging from those at the home-based and local level to those made by
the International Olympic Committee. Gaines does not propose solutions. Her aim is to stimulate thought,
encourage debate, and work to ensure fairness to everyone.
In this book, Gaines analyzes the perspectives of athletes on both sides of this debate, dissecting
arguments both for and against allowing transgender biological males to join traditionally female
activities. She includes science and fact. She encourages application of logic. The description of the book
on Amazon.com suggests my own perspective:
Gaines is a trailblazer who has given the truth a voice. She stands up, speaks out, and dares to
ask questions—not just for herself, but for all female athletes who refuse to accept an ideology
where “inclusivity” for trans-identifying male athletes now means treating women unfairly. Gaines
is changing minds in the process, and this highly anticipated, fearless, pro-woman book takes on
controversial but critical questions we must confront about women (and sports) in America.
Women educators need to be aware of what is happening related to gender equality. More important
will be the impact of these events not only on current girls and women but also on the future of equality
in all areas of endeavor. This is a well written, eye-opening book.

Susan J. Grosse is a member of Delta Chapter in Wisconsin State Organization, where she is a past president. She has
more than 32 years of teaching experience in Milwaukee Public Schools and is active in numerous professional organizations,
including being past president of the American Association of Active Lifestyles and Fitness and a past president of Wisconsin
Health and Physical Education.susanjgrosse@gmail.com

Collegial Exchange · 19