"It's a very simple thing: you want to make the transition, make the transition. Have your own category. We're going to make a new division for you. What could be unfair about that?"
The opinion of Tinashe
Singer Tinashe was one of the first to express her disagreement with Armstrong's proposal. According to her, differentiating people based on their gender identity is not beneficial to their mental health. For Tinashe, excluding trans athletes from the same spaces and places as others would be harmful and counterproductive.
The defense of Lance Armstrong
In response to the criticism received, Lance Armstrong defended himself by arguing that no one is being excluded, and that his proposal is based on a sporting perspective. Although he clarified that he is not a right-wing person and considers himself a liberal, he stated that from that point of view, it would be fair to create a separate category for trans athletes.
Ariel Winter's position
Actress Ariel Winter, known for her role in the hit series 'Modern Family', spoke out against Armstrong's words. Winter stated that the cyclist's proposal would lead to ostracizing people who do not fit into predefined categories. In his opinion, it is important not to exclude anyone and to accept diversity in all areas, including sport.
The intervention of Porsha Williams
Porsha Williams, another of the program's participants, tried to put an end to the debate, suggesting that it was not the right place to discuss such a sensitive topic. She reminded Lance Armstrong that they were on a television show and not in the comfort of his home, and that some topics should be treated with greater care.
Conclusion
Lance Armstrong's proposal to create a separate category for trans athletes in the reality show 'Stars on Mars' has generated intense debate among the program's participants. While some consider that differentiating people based on their gender identity can be harmful and exclusionary, others argue from a sports perspective, seeking a balance between inclusion and fair competition. As the debate continues, the discussion on the participation of trans athletes in different sports disciplines will continue to be an important topic in today's society.