In a new controversy surrounding the Paris Paralympics
renowned author J.K. Rowling has voiced strong opposition to the inclusion of transgender athletes
particularly targeting Italian sprinter Valentina Petrillo.
Rowling’s comments have ignited a heated debate about the participation of trans athletes in competitive sports.
J.K. Rowling’s criticism of trans athlete Valentina Petrillo
J.K. Rowling, who has previously faced criticism for her views on transgender issues, labeled Petrillo as a “cheat” after the sprinter qualified for the semi-finals in the women’s T12 400m category. Petrillo, who has a visual impairment, is also set to compete in the women’s T12 200m category. This follows a successful career in the men’s category where she won 11 national titles before transitioning.
In a tweet, Rowling sarcastically commented, “Why all the anger about the inspirational Petrillo? The cheat community has never had this kind of visibility! Out and proud cheats like Petrillo prove the era of cheat-shaming is over. What a role model! I say we give Lance Armstrong his medals back and move on. #Cheats #NoShame”
Rowling’s comments come after a similar outcry during the Olympic Games, where she criticized Algerian boxer Imane Khelif’s participation in the women’s category. Khelif, who is not transgender but reportedly has a difference of sex development, won the gold medal and has since filed a criminal complaint with French authorities over alleged cyber harassment involving Rowling and X owner Elon Musk.
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“Could any picture sum up our new men’s rights movement better? The smirk of a male who’s knows he’s protected by a misogynist sporting establishment enjoying the distress of a woman he’s just punched in the head, and whose life’s ambition he’s just shattered” J.K. Rowling wrote.
Khelif, who is in fact a biological woman, filed a lawsuit in Paris for aggravated cyberbullying, accusing those responsible of fueling a “misogynistic, racist, and sexist campaign” against her, including Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and of course, J.K. Rowling, who has been deleting her tweets against the athlete ever since de lawsuit went public.
Before beginning her gender transition in 2017, Petrillo was a prominent player on the Italian men’s futsal team, amassing eleven national titles. Since transitioning, she has excelled in athletics, making a significant impact as a transgender woman. Petrillo finished fifth at the 2021 European Championships and won two bronze medals at the 2023 World Championships.
Petrillo, who legally changed her name from Fabrizio to Valentina in 2023, is committed to being an inspiration and an icon for the LGBTQ+ community. She actively uses her platform to advocate for change and convey hope. In her words, “I want to become the symbol of a world that is rebelling,” reflecting her dedication to activism.
Her personal journey has been marked by emotional moments, including the support of her family. Despite initial struggles, her father, Edoardo, and her son, Lorenzo, stand by her side. Petrillo shares, “Lorenzo is the only one who has permission to call me daddy.” The acceptance from her family, alongside the challenges of hormone treatment, has shaped her path.
Petrillo’s transition involved significant changes, including adjustments in weight, strength, and speed due to hormone therapy. Despite facing criticism, she remains focused on her passion for sports, emphasizing that her motivations are deeply rooted in her lifelong love for athletics rather than any desire to compete in the Games.
Her adherence to International Olympic Committee regulations and her commitment to transparency are central to her response to detractors. As she stated to the BBC, “I don’t feel like I’m stealing anything from anyone.”
She also stated that there are many people who don’t think that trans women should be allowed to compete, “and then there are many other people who think that trans women should be allowed to compete simply based on gender identity.” she stated. And I believe in a middle-ground policy, where we allow for inclusion of trans women but have restrictions that are based on the physiology of sport and the biology of sex.”