In 2015, Schuyler Bailar made history as the first transgender athlete to compete on an NCAA Division 1 men’s team while swimming for Harvard. Renowned as both an author and LGBTQ advocate, Bailar recently discussed how teams had refused to play against San Jose State due to a transgender player on the roster. He articulated a profound point then that resonates in today’s post-Donald Trump presidency environment.

Sports is set to become a focal point for Trump once more. This is a given, as he’s previously targeted sports both during his presidency and while campaigning. He has criticized Colin Kaepernick and the NBA, and in the lead-up to the recent election, his campaign invested heavily in advertisements attacking transgender athletes.

“The Trump campaign realizes that issues surrounding transgender healthcare aren’t a top priority for voters – that’s not their objective,” remarked a former aide from the Trump administration to The Hill. “It’s meant to remind undecided voters in crucial states that (Vice President Kamala) Harris isn’t a moderate.”

Bailar, almost like a visionary, highlighted earlier that political figures were leveraging transgender athletes for their own gain.

“There are individuals exploiting trans athletes to garner votes,” Bailar mentioned to YSL News Sports. “However, I genuinely believe that most individuals reacting to the rhetoric aren’t malicious. Most protestors act with good intentions but have been misled. They’ve simply been deceived.”

Bailar posed an essential question: “Can we apply basic critical thinking? Can we manage our fears? These are fundamental skills we need.”

The inquiry raised by Bailar, who embodies decency and empathy, is crucial. These questions will be pivotal not only for transgender athletes but for the entire sports landscape. We must also contemplate these matters.

The sports environment is poised to become more contentious as Trump re-engages with the topic. History shows us that his involvement often leads to hostility.

Back in 2017, Trump urged NFL owners to dismiss players who chose not to stand for the national anthem. During the same address, he criticized the sport for not being violent enough and withdrew the invitation for the Golden State Warriors, the reigning NBA champions, to visit the White House.

“Wouldn’t it be great to see one of these NFL owners, when someone disrespects our flag, say, ‘Get that son of a b—- off the field right now, he’s fired,’” Trump expressed.

LeBron James responded to Trump’s tweet regarding Stephen Curry, stating: “U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain’t going! So therefore no invite. Going to the White House was a great honor until you showed up!”

Trump’s criticisms triggered a significant backlash from players, league officials, and even Commissioner Roger Goodell. “Divisive comments like these show a regrettable lack of respect for the NFL, our beloved game, all of our players, and a failure to recognize the tremendous positive impact our teams and players have in their communities,” Goodell remarked at the time.

Considering the recent election results, it’s likely Trump will make trans athletes a target once again, which raises concerns.

The barrage of anti-trans advertisements from the Trump campaign was evident on television, particularly during NFL games. These commercials contribute to a permissive culture for anti-trans sentiment.

Bailar isn’t alone in voicing concern; Olympic distance runner Nikki Hiltz also shared a heartfelt message on Instagram following Trump’s election, expressing: “Today, I can’t help but think of all the young trans individuals in America. My heart is filled with fear, sadness, anger, and grief. This isn’t the country I recognize… yet, it also is. A country that is loving, joyful, hopeful, as well as fearful, hateful, and ignorant. Both perspectives exist, and they certainly do coexist.”

“Honestly, I have no idea what the future will bring or what the implications of these election results will be, but one thing I am positive of is that it won’t erase the trans community’s existence. This isn’t the end of trans joy. Our trans brothers, sisters, and gender-fluid siblings who came before us faced similar levels of hate, ignorance, and division, often under even more severe circumstances.”

Hiltz further added: “To my fellow trans Americans feeling all kinds of emotions today, you’re not alone. You are brave, beautiful, valued, and supported. I love you. I see you. I need you. Keep pushing forward.”

In 2022, Trump claimed he would enforce a national ban on transgender sports participation if elected.

“We will prohibit men from competing in women’s sports,” said Trump. “So absurd.” (As a note: that hasn’t occurred.)

Now that he has been re-elected, the question remains: How will he pursue this agenda? The implications for athletes who don’t conform to traditional female gender norms, such as Imane Khelif, add another layer of concern.

All of these elements contribute to what may evolve into a troubling landscape within the sports world.

(This story has been updated with new information.)