-Should there be a conversation with the 17 women and all of the men on tour prior to a rule change such as this?
-Is a hormone level an honest and accurate depiction that someone indeed is a male or female? Is it as simple as this?
-Who is pushing for this huge change?
-Does this better the sport of surfing?
-Is this better for the women in surfing? If so, how?
-How did whoever decided these hormone rules come to the conclusion that 12 months of testing testosterone [makes] it a fair and legal switch?
-Why is the WSL [making a] statement about trans women competing with women and yet there’s no mention of converted women competing with men?
Hamilton said she thinks the “best solution would be to create a different division, so that all can have a fair opportunity to showcase their passion and talent.”
As she wrapped up her thoughts, the pro surfer and author said that while it is hard to envision the future of surfing with a change like this one, we are seeing “glimpses of male bodied dominance” in other women’s sports. She concluded, “I personally won’t be competing in or supporting the World Surf League if this rule remains.”
Many of Hamilton’s followers thanked her for taking a stand, although some people accused her of being transphobic.
Hamilton posted a follow-up to her original video the following day, reiterating some of her previous thoughts and addressing the feedback she has gotten.
“Going into this, I knew the hammer of mean and cruel and harshness would be thrown down on me for not going with the flow, for having a different opinion, for being open and sharing my questions,” she said, adding that it is a “scary world” that shuts down thoughtful conversation. “And I believe that is very wrong.”
Hamilton doesn’t blame her fellow athletes for not speaking out to avoid vitriol. “I will say, though, it’s been amazing to see the amount of people opening up and talking about this issue. The majority are in [agreement] with me, and I’m glad I can help encourage others to stand up.”
Hamilton also said that some people who have different opinions from her have shared their views in a way that has been considerate and constructive. “And so thank you to those of you who are nice, even if you disagree,” she said.
The mom of three said she refuses to “live in anger at the world and the people I share it with…And I will continually aim to have grace, forgiveness, and love and honesty, no matter how cruel and harsh the world may be.”
