Dr. Katia Bissonnette, a psychologist from Saguenay, withdrew from the 2023 Provincial Golden Glove Championship in Quebec upon discovering her opponent, Mya Walmsley, was transgender. Bissonnette claimed she wasn’t informed in advance. The championship aimed to qualify novice boxers for the Canadian Championship.
Bissonnette, just an hour before the bout, learned her opponent’s transgender status, citing a rule not to disclose it to prevent discrimination. She argued against women facing transgender opponents who underwent male puberty, emphasizing the associated risks.
Walmsley criticized Bissonnette for handling the matter publicly, fearing it could lead to transgender athlete exclusion and unjust regulations. This incident mirrors a trend of female athletes resisting competition with transgender peers, echoing debates in other sports, like the Lia Thomas and Riley Gaines swimming controversy. Sports grapple with inclusive approaches without compromising fairness or discriminating.
