Controversy at the U.K. Mini Series pool championships arose over the participation of transgender competitors Harriet Haynes and Lucy Smith, both biological males. Haynes and Smith faced off in the semifinals, with Haynes ultimately advancing to the final against Welsh woman Kirsty-Lee Davies. After being down, Davies mounted a comeback, winning four straight frames to claim the championship. The Women’s Rights Network applauded Davies for her victory but criticized the decision to allow transgender competitors, who ended up receiving prize money that the WRN believes should have gone to a woman.
The English Pool Association and World Eightball Pool Federation allow trans-identified athletes to compete without restrictions, with rules under review since December 2023. In August 2023, the WEPF initially announced updated guidelines that only allowed those “born female” to play, but then reversed that protection in October, instead requiring transgenders to identify as female for at least four years and show proof of lower testosterone levels. Transgender participation in women’s sports has sparked international debate, becoming a key issue in the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
A survey conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago found that 65% of respondents believe trans athletes should rarely or never be allowed to participate in sports leagues based on their preferred gender identity rather than their biological sex. Former president Trump and his wife Melania have both spoken out against allowing biological men in women’s sports. Meanwhile, the Biden-Harris administration has taken actions to promote transgender inclusion, clarifying Title IX to cover discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, and related conditions, though experts argue this could lead to more biological men participating in women’s sports.
The Biden administration’s rule was intended to prevent discrimination against transgender students under Title IX, but faced opposition from Republican attorneys general who sued to block the changes. The Supreme Court voted 5-4 to reject an emergency request from Biden to enforce portions of the new rule, preventing protection for transgender students under Title IX. In the U.K. Mini Series pool championships, controversy surrounded the participation of transgender competitors Haynes and Smith, who ultimately faced off in the semifinals, with Haynes advancing to the final only to be defeated by Davies, sparking debate over transgender inclusion in sports.
The English Pool Association and World Eightball Pool Federation allow trans-identified athletes to compete without restrictions, with rules currently under review. The backlash to transgender participation in women’s sports has become a significant issue internationally, shaping discussions in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. While some advocate for inclusivity, others, including former president Trump and First Lady Melania, have spoken out against allowing biological men to compete in women’s sports. The Biden-Harris administration has introduced measures to protect transgender students, but faced opposition to enforce certain provisions, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding transgender inclusion in sports.
