Brazil's Volleyball Federation Adopts IOC Policy Banning Trans Women
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The Brazilian Volleyball Confederation, known as CBV, has announced that it will adopt a policy from the IOC that bans trans women from competing in women's sports. The IOC is the International Olympic Committee, the organization responsible for setting rules for the Olympic Games.
This decision means that trans athletes will no longer be allowed to compete in women's volleyball events organized by CBV. The policy follows guidance from international sports bodies that have taken similar positions in recent years.
The move goes beyond the world of sports, according to reports. Many people see it as part of a wider debate about gender and fairness in competition, one that touches on social and political questions as well.
One of the athletes directly affected is Tifanny Abreu, a trans woman who has played professional volleyball in Brazil. Her future in the sport is now uncertain following CBV's decision to adopt the IOC's policy.
Abreu had been competing in women's volleyball for several years. The new rule could end her career in the sport, though it is not yet clear exactly how or when the policy will be applied to her situation.
The decision has already caused strong reactions. Supporters argue that the policy protects fair competition, while critics say it unfairly excludes people who identify as women from playing in the category that matches their gender identity.
Vocabulary10 words
- CBV
- the group that controls volleyball in Brazil
- IOC
- the group that runs the Olympic Games
- ban
- an official rule that stops something
- athlete
- a person who does sports at a high level
- policy
- an official rule or plan
- gender
- being male or female, as a social identity
- career
- a person's long-term work in one field
- trans woman
- a woman who was born as a boy
- compete
- to take part in a contest against others
- identity
- who a person feels they truly are
Quiz
Answer key
1. Adopt an IOC policy that bans trans women from women's sports 2. Because it touches on wider social and political debates 3. It could end her career in women's volleyball
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
The Brazilian Volleyball Confederation, known as _____, has announced that it will adopt a policy from the _____ that bans trans women from competing in women's sports.
This decision means that trans _____ will no longer be allowed to compete in women's volleyball events organized by CBV.
The move goes beyond the world of sports, according to reports. Many people see it as part of a wider debate about _____ and fairness in competition.
One of the athletes directly affected is Tifanny Abreu, a trans woman who has played professional _____ in Brazil.
The new rule could end her _____ in the sport, though it is not yet clear exactly how the policy will be applied.
Supporters argue that the policy protects fair competition, while critics say it unfairly excludes people who _____ as women.