“YOU CAN’T BAN US!” Italian transgender Paralympian blasts decision to bar trans athletes from women’s events at the 2028 LA Olympics
The international sporting community has been ignited by a fierce new controversy following the announcement that the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics intends to restrict transgender women from competing in women’s categories. While the exact framework of the policy remains under discussion, the mere prospect of such a ban has triggered a wave of resistance—most notably from a prominent Italian transgender Paralympian who boldly declared, “YOU CAN’T BAN US!” in a passionate public address this week.
The athlete, who has long been regarded as a symbol of resilience and inclusion within the Paralympic movement, delivered a powerful rebuke of what she calls a “deeply exclusionary and scientifically oversimplified” direction for the future of global sports. Her message has reverberated far beyond Italy’s borders, sparking debate among athletes, advocacy groups, and policymakers around the world.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment not only with the potential policy shift but with what she perceives as a growing intolerance toward transgender athletes across elite sports. She emphasized that transgender competitors have competed for years without incident, undergoing strict medical and regulatory procedures. The new wave of bans, she argued, is rooted more in fear and misinformation than in evidence.
“Every one of us has gone through exhaustive processes just to stand on the starting line,” she said. “We train the same, sacrifice the same, and dream the same. But now, because of political pressure disguised as fairness, we’re being told that our identities disqualify us. That is unacceptable.”
Her words quickly spread across social media, energizing supporters and prompting thousands of comments from athletes, fans, and advocacy organizations. Many praised her courage, arguing that sports governing bodies should be working toward more nuanced, medically informed guidelines instead of sweeping bans that erase an entire group of competitors.
However, the issue is far from one-sided. Some sporting officials, scientists, and athletes in the women’s category argue that physiological advantages linked to male puberty may persist even after medical transition. They insist that governing bodies have a responsibility to ensure equal competition and prevent potential disparities in strength, endurance, and recovery. Supporters of the proposed 2028 rule contend that a separate “open category” or modified structure may be the fairest solution for everyone.
But for the Italian Paralympian, such proposals amount to segregation.
“Creating an ‘open category’ is just another way of saying, ‘You don’t belong here,’” she stated. “Inclusion is not about isolating certain groups. It’s about finding ways for us to compete authentically, safely, and fairly without erasing who we are.”
Her argument echoes concerns shared by many global LGBTQ+ organizations, which warn that exclusionary policies could lead to a slippery slope—one that might reduce opportunities for transgender athletes at all levels of sport, from grassroots programs to professional competition. The Paralympic community, known for championing diversity and acceptance, has become a central voice in calling for more compassionate dialogues. Several Paralympic athletes have already expressed solidarity, noting that marginalized athletes should not be pushed further into the shadows.
The tension surrounding this issue has intensified as the countdown to the 2028 Games continues. Sports governing bodies have been under immense pressure from governments, advocacy groups, scientific panels, and athlete unions. Some committees argue that delaying policy decisions will only heighten confusion; others believe the conversation must be slowed down to allow for more research and fairer outcomes.
Meanwhile, the Italian Paralympian’s stance has gained significant traction. She has become a leading figure in an international coalition of athletes calling for more inclusive frameworks rather than outright bans. The coalition is preparing a formal petition demanding that the International Olympic Committee approach the issue with broader consultation and updated scientific evaluation.
For her, and for many others, the fight is about more than sport. It is about recognition, dignity, and the right to exist openly within society.
“When I compete,” she said, “I don’t compete just for myself. I compete for every person who has ever been told they don’t belong. If the Olympics truly represent unity, courage, and humanity, then we must protect those values—not undermine them.”
As discussions continue, the world of sports stands at a crossroads. The debate over transgender participation is shaping into one of the defining issues of the decade, reshaping global attitudes toward fairness, identity, and inclusion.
Whether the final decision for the 2028 Games will reflect exclusion or evolution remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: voices like hers will not be silent. As she declared to the world, “You can’t ban us—because we are already here, and we’re not going anywhere.”
