Transgender woman wins first place in cycling race, calls for establishment of transgender game

Hwarin Na, a transgender woman, became the first transgender woman in Korea to compete in an official match and win. On the afternoon of the 3rd, Na competed in the 58th Gangwon-do Citizens Sports Festival held at the Yangyang Cycling Stadium in Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do, and crossed the finish line in 1st place. On this day, Na, who took the lead early in the race, kept first place for three laps. After the race, she said, “I was very nervous. They told me to do my best, so I did my best and rode it. I’m proud of myself.” Na is scheduled to participate in the women’s general first scratch event held at the same place tomorrow. On the 1st, when the news of Na’s participation in the tournament was reported, controversy arose. The core of the controversy is whether it is fair for a natural female player to face a transgender player with a relatively superior physique. About 20 human rights and social organizations, including the Rainbow Action Against Sexual Minority Discrimination, sent messages of support to the news of Na’s participation. Na, who was born as a male, underwent gender confirmation surgery at Sacred Heart Hospital in Gangdong, Seoul last October, and on April 7, she changed her social security number to female. The Gangwon-do Min Sports Festival women’s participation rules do not place any restrictions other than her gender, so Na was able to participate without any special restrictions. Prior to participating in the competition, she met with the 〈Hankyoreh〉, and she said that she decided to participate in the hope that “my participation in the competition will become an issue.” With her own participation, it is hoped that our society will start a full-fledged discussion about the controversy over her transgender female athlete’s participation in the competition. “After playing today’s game for the first time, I think it’s right to create a third game for men and women, as well as for transgender people,” she said.

Transgender female athlete Hwarin Na (front) pedals vigorously at the 58th Gangwon-do Citizens Sports Festival held at the Yangyang Cycle Stadium in Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do on the afternoon of the 3rd, participating in the 1st division of cycling bicycle race for women. Reporter Baek So-ah

Transgender female athlete Hwarin Na (front) pedals vigorously at the 58th Gangwon-do Citizens Sports Festival held at the Yangyang Cycle Stadium in Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do on the afternoon of the 3rd, participating in the 1st division of cycling bicycle race for women. Reporter Baek So-ah

Transgender woman Hwarin Na (right) smiles brightly after crossing the finish line in first place at the 58th Gangwon Provincial People’s Sports Festival cycling bicycle race general women’s first division held at Yangyang Cycling Stadium in Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do on the afternoon of the 3rd. Reporter Baek So-ah

A transgender woman, Na Hwarin, is having an interview with reporters after finishing the first part of the 58th Gangwon-do People’s Sports Festival cycle bicycle race held at the Yangyang Cycle Stadium in Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do on the afternoon of the 3rd. Reporter Baek So-ah

A transgender woman, Na Hwarin, warms up before participating in the 58th Gangwon-do People’s Athletics Championships cycle bicycle race general women’s first division held at the Yangyang Cycle Stadium in Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do on the afternoon of the 3rd. Reporter Baek So-ah

Reporter Baek So-ah thanks@hani.co.kr