Recently, the discourse surrounding transgender and non-binary athletes in sports has intensified, often overshadowing the personal journeys and challenges faced by these individuals. Amidst this backdrop, the International Association of Trans Bodybuilders and Powerlifters (IATBP) has emerged as a sanctuary for athletes like myself, offering a platform where authenticity and athleticism converge.
A Personal Journey: From Bodybuilding to Authenticity
Before embracing my true identity, I was deeply entrenched in the world of competitive bodybuilding. I had the honor of qualifying twice for the NPC Masters Nationals, a testament to years of dedication and relentless training. Yet, beneath the chiseled exterior lay an internal struggle with gender dysphoria. The sport that once provided solace became a source of profound discomfort, leading me to withdraw after my last competition.
The decision to step away was not merely about leaving the stage; it was about confronting an identity that yearned for acknowledgment. Commencing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) marked the beginning of a journey toward self-acceptance and authenticity. However, this transition also meant reconciling my passion for bodybuilding with my true self—a challenge compounded by societal debates on transgender participation in sports.
Discovering IATBP: A Beacon of Inclusivity
Amidst this personal evolution, I discovered the International Association of Trans Bodybuilders and Powerlifters (IATBP). Established in 2014, IATBP is the world’s sole organization exclusively offering bodybuilding and powerlifting competitions for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming athletes. For someone like me, who once felt alienated from the sport I loved, IATBP provided a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.
Upcoming Event: November 2025
IATBP has announced its annual competition scheduled for November 22, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. This event is more than a showcase of physical prowess; it symbolizes resilience, authenticity, and the celebration of diversity within the athletic community. Participants from various backgrounds will come together, not only to compete but to share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.
Esteemed Judges for the 2025 Event
The 2025 IATBP competition will feature a distinguished panel of judges, bringing expertise and representation to the forefront:
- Janae Marie Kroc: A renowned bodybuilder and powerlifter, Janae has achieved champion status in both disciplines. She will serve as the powerlifting meet director and head bodybuilding judge, ensuring that the competitions uphold the highest standards of excellence.
- Paulo Batista: A 36-year-old transgender male with over a decade of experience in fitness and bodybuilding, Paulo will serve as the head bodybuilding judge. His commitment to fitness and advocacy for the transgender community brings invaluable insight to the judging panel.
The Broader Context: Transgender Participation in Sports
The announcement of IATBP’s November 2025 meet comes at a pivotal time. The political climate in the United States has seen heightened debates over transgender participation in sports, particularly concerning transgender women competing against cisgender women. As of early 2025, several states have enacted laws restricting transgender students from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity. These legislative measures have sparked discussions about fairness, inclusion, and the rights of transgender individuals.
In February 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14201, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” aiming to ban transgender athletes from competing on women’s sports teams. This order threatens to revoke federal funding from educational institutions that allow transgender women to participate in women’s sports, asserting a biological definition of sex distinct from gender identity.
Such policies have profound implications. They limit opportunities for transgender athletes and send a broader message about acceptance and inclusion in society. Critics argue that these measures are less about ensuring fairness and more about marginalizing an already vulnerable community.
A Landmark Legal Battle: JayCee Cooper’s Fight for Inclusion
The struggle for inclusion in sports is exemplified by the case of JayCee Cooper, a transgender powerlifter from Minnesota. In 2018, Cooper applied to compete in the women’s division of USA Powerlifting (USAPL) events but was denied on the grounds that she possessed strength advantages over cisgender women. In response, Cooper filed a lawsuit in 2021, alleging that USAPL’s decision violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The trial court initially ruled in Cooper’s favor, but the decision was later appealed. The case was heard by the Minnesota Supreme Court on December 3, 2024, marking a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding transgender athletes’ rights.
RELATED: Minnesota Supreme Court Weighs Trans Inclusion in Powerlifting
Challenges and the Path Forward
While IATBP provides a vital space for transgender and non-binary athletes, the broader sports community still faces challenges. The political push to exclude transgender women from competing against cisgender women has led to a scarcity of inclusive leagues across various sports and levels of participation. This scarcity often forces transgender athletes to choose between competing in categories that don’t align with their identity or not competing at all.
Moreover, the argument that transgender women have inherent advantages in sports is a topic of ongoing debate. Research indicates that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can significantly reduce muscle mass and strength in transgender women, challenging the notion of an unfair advantage. However, misconceptions persist, fueling policies that exclude rather than include.
The Bottom Line
For meaningful change to occur, allyship is essential. Families, friends, and supporters of transgender individuals play a pivotal role in advocating for inclusive policies and challenging discriminatory practices. By standing alongside transgender athletes, allies can amplify their voices, share their stories, and promote understanding within the broader community.
Educational initiatives are also crucial. By providing accurate information about transgender identities and the realities of transgender athletes, misconceptions can be dispelled, paving the way for more informed and compassionate discussions
