Solution for Transgender in American Sports Today

In 2020, I launched my foundation, “the Genius stage.” Our mission is simple: Change The World Through Collaboration. This is a foundation that I personally fund, with no outside assistance. My team of brilliant collaborators from diverse backgrounds works on projects spanning cancer research, dyslexia, music therapy for quadriplegic and paraplegic patients, mental illness management, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and producing documentary films to bring critical social issues to light.

We are not political in any way—we simply aim to move humanity forward, whether on a local level or a global stage. Our work reaches across the United States, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Great solutions born from brilliant thinking have no boundaries.

I ask for nothing in return, and no one can criticize what I do—it’s my foundation.

I firmly believe that the most complex issues can sometimes be resolved with the simplest solutions. As Steve Jobs once said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

A Recommendation for the Current Transgender Sports and inclusion Debate. It is not my place to dictate how someone chooses to live, think, or feel—that is a matter of human nature. However, when an individual or group imposes their will on others, it creates conflict and contention. To maintain a collaborative society, we must seek solutions. My father was a World War II Navy fighter pilot and experienced war and hatred first hand. He noted that his experience taught him a valuable lesson about life and people. “Your rights end where the other persons space begins.”

My proposed resolution is based on respect, reality, and the fundamental nature of human individuality and behavior.

Question: What do the following organizations have in common?

• The Olympics

• Special Olympics

• FIFA U-17 League

• Black Music Awards

• Gay Men’s Chorus (DC)

• Girls’ Ice Hockey Hub in Minnesota

• National Senior Games (50+)

• 6-Foot and Under Basketball League

• Invictus Games

Answer: These are organizations that attract like-minded individuals who share a passion for a specific activity. Whether in sports or music, participants engage with others who have similar skill sets, experience levels, or shared backgrounds. From elite athletes to weekend warriors, from world-class singers to those that hit only sour notes—it’s the shared DNA of interest and purpose that binds them/us together.

A Path Forward. I believe the transgender community should consider organizing sports leagues or clubs that provide a space for participation among like-minded individuals with similar skill sets and passion to compete and participate.This structure would foster camaraderie, inclusivity, and fair competition at both local and national levels. We as humans are social creatures, we are hardwired to be together, but we are not hard wired to force ourselves on one another at any level.

This is not transgender exclusion. Rather, it is a way to live harmoniously together in mainstream society—just as the organizations listed above have done.

Addressing Funding. Funding is often a challenge, but many high school and university clubs—such as glee clubs, weightlifting clubs, and swim teams—receive zero institutional funding. Instead, participants, families, and supporters raise money for uniforms, coaches, travel, field rental, and equipment. This is NOT discrimination, it’s a reality.

• We are lucky to live in a country that has an abundance of public facilities such as swimming centers, tracks, gymnasiums, soccer fields etc. These are available to anyone that chooses to use them. Most universities also allow the public or their students to use the sports and theater venues. There’s no reason that the transgender community does not take advantage of these venues to enjoy, compete with like minded individuals.

No One is Entitled. Over the past 35 years I have worked with many of the most iconic companies, visionaries, celebrities, star athletes and entertainers. A fact after all these years, is that… it does NOT matter who you are, NO ONE is entitled to anything. It is not written anywhere, that the world owes us/you anything. Mutual respect is the DNA for humanity, not forced respect.

The Path. When people are passionate about something, they find a way to make it happen, but only through collaboration and looking at all sides of the equation. Most times, the most obvious path to solve a problem is the incorrect turn.

The Magnificence of America. One of the greatest strengths of our country is that we can all be Americans while also being ourselves.

We do not need to force our lives, interests, and passions on others. Instead, we should take pride in who we are, find our like minded communities within sports, entertainment and all factors of life, and work together to move humanity forward.

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Greg M. Bennett

Author of: “I Can Make Caffeine Nervous”

www.gregmbennett.com