CeCe Telfer: Transgender Champion Navigating Anti-Trans Rhetoric
CeCe Telfer, the 2019 NCAA champion in the women’s 400m hurdles, has spoken out against the escalating anti-trans rhetoric since President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Trump Administration’s Anti-Trans Policies
Earlier this month, President Trump signed an executive order prohibiting transgender girls and women from competing against biological females in athletics. The Department of Education also announced their intention to strip transgender women of their previously won titles.
Telfer’s Experience with Anti-Trans Harassment
"I used to face adversaries when I left my house," Telfer said in a recent CNN interview. "Now, I wake up every day and have to make sure I make it home alive." She emphasized that her multiple identities as a Black trans woman made her a target of discrimination.
Resilience Amid Adversity
Despite the challenges, Telfer remains determined to live her life authentically. "Just existing is resilience," she said. "I pay my taxes. I go to school. I try to leave the world better than when I came into it. And if the president doesn’t see us, then we’ll make ourselves be seen and known with goodness and love."
Willingness to Engage with Administration
Telfer expressed her willingness to engage with the Trump administration, including President Trump himself, to discuss the issue. "I feel as though social media is very loud, and just to have a human sit across from you and have a conversation with them, it’s very different," she said.
Questioning Anti-Trans Policies
Telfer condemned the administration’s actions, stating, "I need some explanation as to why you want to completely eradicate us from society when we’ve done nothing wrong." She suggested that the administration visit her and witness her everyday experiences as a transgender female athlete.
NCAA’s Response to Trump Order
Telfer expressed disappointment with the NCAA’s decision to change their rules and comply with Trump’s order, after initially supporting the inclusion of transgender athletes. "They were on the right side of history — I don’t know what happened," she said.
Telfer’s Legacy as a Champion
Despite the challenges, Telfer believes that her NCAA victory remains a testament to her resilience. "It makes me feel like not only was history made then, but it’ll stay in the books and be reminded that policies and orders are not forever, but our resilience is."
Education and Progress
Telfer criticized the Department of Education’s stance, stating that "you can’t take back history." She emphasized the importance of education and progress in the fight for transgender equality.
Conclusion
CeCe Telfer’s story highlights the challenges faced by transgender individuals in the face of rising anti-trans rhetoric and discriminatory policies. Her resilience, determination, and willingness to engage with those who oppose her rights serve as an inspiration to all who believe in justice and equality.
