The increasing polarization in the United States leads many people to view issues as all or nothing. The transgender movement often reflects this trend. Dissent or disagreement can result in accusations of transphobia or bigotry.

Jennifer Oliver, a devoted California track mom, challenges this perspective. Her daughter, Nieve Oliver, competes in girls’ high school track. Recently, Nieve was prevented from claiming the top spot in a high jump competition by AB Hernandez, a transgender athlete.

Oliver emphasizes that despite feeling her daughter was unfairly treated, she does not harbor negativity towards Hernandez. “There’s no hate,” she stated. “My daughter is inclusive. This issue isn’t about hatred but about fairness.”

Many advocates for women’s sports, like Oliver, argue for fairness and safety. They believe the inclusion of biological males in women’s sports compromises these values. At a recent California track meet, Hernandez, who had previously won state championships, qualified for more titles. This left five competitors, including Nieve, unable to claim the best jump of the day.

Oliver expressed concern for safety in contact sports, citing her daughter’s participation in girls’ flag football. “If this were to occur in flag football, I wouldn’t let her compete. It wouldn’t be safe,” she noted.

California’s reluctance to adhere to President Trump’s 2025 order barring men from women’s sports is seen by Oliver as problematic. “What can we do? We wait for the season to end and hope the courts resolve this,” she explained.

The California Interscholastic Federation introduced a rule that a trans athlete winning in later rounds of state competitions must share the podium with the top-placing female athlete. This decision reads as an acknowledgment of the issue.

Oliver summed up her feelings, “Everyone knows the true winner. This isn’t about AB; it’s about fairness.” She concluded by emphasizing that the solution should ensure fair and safe competitive spaces for all athletes.