By Stewart Perrie
Caitlyn Jenner has copped backlash for voicing her opposition to trans girls competing in girls' sports.
The former Olympian and transgender icon recently announced her bid to become California's governor and has already found herself in a political, social and ideological storm.
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Jenner explained to TMZ how she believes it is unfair if a boy, who is transitioning to become a girl, is allowed to play in a female sport.
"That's why I oppose biological boys who are trans competing in girls' sports in school," Jenner said. "It just isn't fair. And we have to protect girls' sports in our schools."
She was asked about whether her stance would affect people's idea of gender identity however she avoided it and walked away.
Jenner posted the interview on Twitter and while she insisted she didn't 'expect' to be asked the question, she stands by her answer.
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The issue of trans people playing in sport has become a massive topic in America, with several states signing or proposing bills that strip away their rights to compete.
At least 30 states are trying to limit trans peoples' abilities, despite the lack of widespread evidence that this 'problem' is even an issue.
Jenner has since been called out by transgender groups for potentially rolling back years of advocacy work.
UK charity supporting trans kids Mermaids wrote on Twitter: "Disappointing to hear that Caitlyn Jenner has used her platform and privilege to push back against supporting trans inclusion in sport for trans youth. As someone with a trans history and sporting background she should know the facts."
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What is most interesting about Jenner's statement is that it directly contradicts something she said six years ago.
When she was given the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs in 2015, she hoped for a world that would embrace trans kids in all facets of life.
"All across this country, right now, all across the world, at this very moment, there are young people coming to terms with being transgender," she told the crowd at the glitzy award show back in 2015.
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"They're learning that they're different, and they are trying to figure out how to handle that, on top of every other problem that a teenager has. They're getting bullied, they're getting beaten up, they're getting murdered and they're committing suicide.
"As a group, as athletes, how you conduct your lives, what you say, what you do is absorbed and observed by millions of people, especially young people.
"I know I'm clear with my responsibility going forward, to tell my story the right way, for me, to keep learning, to reshape the landscape of how trans issues are viewed, how trans people are treated.
"And then more broadly to promote a very simple idea: accepting people for who they are. Accepting people's differences."
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The clincher in her lengthy speech came when she said: "I also want to acknowledge all the young trans athletes who are out there - given the chance to play sports as who they really are."
Sure, people can change their ideas and world view in a couple of years, but it's an interesting twist for someone who many viewed as a beacon of hope in the trans sporting arena. Guess people will have to find someone else to look up to.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: olympics, transgender athletes, Sports, Athletics, Australia