My friend Nellie sent me this link to something she saw on Logo last night. I’m not sure how old it is, but I’d never seen it before.
“100% Woman” – Michelle Dumaresq
So many things struck me with this, such as the shear ignorance of some of her fellow racers, with their primary complaints being that she weighed more, and had more “muscle fibers”. (I’ve met many cisfemales who are heavier and stronger!) Also the fact that they were apparently quite happy to be her friend until she won – what does that say about the prevailing competitiveness in our society today? Finally, the conversation with the guy with the French accent as they ride up to the top of the hill – I’d love to believe that was staged, but sadly I’m sure it wasn’t.
I’m glad that the petition against her was ignored, and I was impressed by the conversation they showed where she explained her status to her fellow competitors. There were genuine reactions, with the issues that commonly come up with the cisgendered who have not encountered a transwoman before.
I haven’t watched Parts 2 through 6 yet. But I know I will.
What do you think?
Filed under: Commentary, News, Transgender, Video | Tagged: allies, awareness, competition, discrimination, equal rights, estrogen, exclusion, hate, hormones, hrt, ignorance, intolerance, logo, michelle dumaresq, mountain bike, mtf, protest, sport, television, transexual, Transgender, transsexual, tv |
TRANScend GENDER 
What I also found amazing was the fact that she only won by a few seconds. Advantage? I think not.
I figure that if the olympics will accept a trans woman for competition after she’s been on HRT for a couple of years, and that research shows the loss of male muscle mass to a more female type, there should not be any bias against them competing with other women. That really only leaves personal bias as a reason for not wanting them to compete.
In a competitive environment and with sponsorship being potentially worth a lot of money, I can understand an initial reaction, especially while her muscle mass is still more like a man than a woman. Even when I was really fit and strong I knew skinny guys with way more strength than me (especially upper body strength). There’s a reason sport’s never gone unisex. However, like the Olympic rule amberdarlene described, there should be a point at which the change in body chemistry is recognised.
I’m wondering where Michelle is now? I’d love to talk to her, we have similar issues.
as a fellow and younger transsexual I find Michelle Dumaresq to be an extremly insipering woman. she will forever be my idol. she so strong and I can only hope to be half the woman she is.
Society needs to accept the fact that you are a woman. To be born female trapped in amale body is not something you asked for and you as an individual have the right to be comfortable in your skin and this IS WHO YOU ARE. I support you 1000%.
People suck. Keep your chin up, Michelle– ignorance knows no gender.
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