Create an Open League for Sports
Ensuring Fairness, Dignity, and Equal Opportunity for All Athletes
by Sondra Wilson. Written July 28, 2025. Updated September 5, 2025.

In recent years, the conversation around fairness in women’s sports has grown increasingly complex. As a transgender woman, I believe in protecting the dignity and rights of all athletes — cisgender, transgender, intersex, and nonbinary alike. I believe in science, and in fairness.

Note that an open league would only be necessary for sports where fairness is an issue. Also note that some women have natural biological advantages over other women. That is another reason an open league could be beneficial.

The main thing is, finding solutions that work “for now” to allow society to heal instead of continue divide over issues.

⚖️ Why We Need an Open League

Biological differences — such as bone density, muscle mass, and testosterone levels—can significantly impact athletic performance (Handelsman et al., 2018; Hilton & Lundberg, 2021). While hormone therapy may reduce some advantages, studies show that transgender women retain certain performance benefits even after a year of treatment (Roberts et al., 2020).

Rather than forcing athletes into binary categories that may not reflect physiological realities, we propose a third option: an Open League.

🧬 A Science-Based Solution

The Open League would:

  • Use weight classes and performance metrics, similar to boxing and wrestling, to ensure fair competition.
  • Allow athletes of any gender identity to compete without compromising the integrity of women’s sports.
  • Promote dignity and inclusion while respecting biological realities.

This approach is not about exclusion—it’s about evolution. It’s about creating a space where all athletes can thrive, compete, and be celebrated for their excellence.

 

🔍 What This Act Will Do

  • Allocate exploration funds to study and pilot Open League formats.
  • Collaborate with sports scientists, coaches, and civil rights advocates.
  • Ensure equal opportunity and fair play for all athletes, regardless of gender identity.

Let’s lead the nation in creating a model that honors both inclusion and integrity.

 

💬 A Personal Appeal

“As a transgender woman, I am not afraid to admit that there is a fairness issue—bone density, muscle mass. I have looked into it, and I will speak up for my Sisters. I beg you: may we please discuss this topic in a manner that promotes dignity and respect for all women?

I visibly stick out like a sore thumb everywhere I go. I wish I could afford facial surgery and just blend in and live a happy life, but it’s too expensive, and private insurance doesn’t cover it. I ask for your compassion — not just for me, but for every athlete who wants to compete fairly and proudly.

We can have this discussion surrounding sports — and in fact we need to — but it should be done in a respectful way that stands up for all women — not just some.”

— Sondra Wilson

 

 

Like this plan?
You can make it happen!
Help Sondra get Elected

Thank you for your support!

📚 References

Handelsman, D. J., Hirschberg, A. L., & Bermon, S. (2018). Circulating testosterone as the hormonal basis of sex differences in athletic performance. Endocrine Reviews, 39(5), 803–829.

Hilton, E. N., & Lundberg, T. R. (2021). Transgender women in the female category of sport: Perspectives on testosterone suppression and performance advantage. Sports Medicine, 51(2), 199–214.

Roberts, T. A., Rosario, M., & Koenen, K. C. (2020). Effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy on athletic performance: A review. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism