JUST IN: “I am not a man”: Transgender swimmer Lia Thomas responds to criticism. Reaffirming her identity. I am…

Transgender swimmer Lia Thomas has spoken out against ongoing criticism regarding her participation in women’s swimming competitions, reaffirming her identity and right to compete.

In a recent interview, Thomas addressed her detractors, stating, “I am not a man,” in response to claims that her participation in women’s sports is unfair. She emphasized that her transition was not about gaining an athletic advantage but about living authentically as herself.

Thomas, who competed on the University of Pennsylvania’s men’s team before transitioning and later joining the women’s team, has been at the center of a heated debate on the inclusion of transgender athletes in elite sports.

Despite facing backlash, Thomas remains steadfast in her belief that transgender athletes deserve a place in competitive sports.

She pointed out that her eligibility complies with NCAA and international swimming regulations and that her presence in women’s swimming is a step toward inclusivity. Supporters argue that trans athletes like

Thomas should not be excluded from opportunities to compete, while critics continue to raise concerns about fairness. As the debate continues, Thomas’s response highlights the importance of recognizing transgender identities and fostering discussions that balance inclusion and competitive integrity in sports.