Young female athletes in Washington schools would likely have to obtain genital exams to participate in school sports, if a controversial ballot initiative passes in November.

Language in the initiative claims that kids are already required to undergo verification of their “biological sex” before they can play sports. But KUOW spoke with medical professionals and a school sports official who said otherwise. Paperwork used by medical professionals in sports physicals also shows that the initiative would be a departure from current state requirements for athletic participation.

According to the initiative, students would have several options to confirm their sex: a visual genital exam, a lab test to determine their genetic makeup, or an analysis of testosterone levels in the blood. The genital exam, which a medical professional can conduct without touching the child, would likely be the most accessible option for most kids.

  • JennyLaFae@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
    11·
    4 days ago

    Hey y’all, when I was starting highschool I had a doctor try to inspect my genitals and i had to tell no, they told me I needed a physical before I could play sports, I declined again because I didn’t want to do sports anyway.

    Can someone tell me if this was normal or if the doc was being weird?

    • exasperation@lemmy.dbzer0.com
      3·
      3 days ago

      For boys, the standard hernia test involves checking for testicle movement, usually during coughing. It’s highly recommended for sports participation, and required in some places, because a hernia is easily preventable and especially painful.

    • MrShankles@reddthat.com
      2·
      4 days ago

      I had to go through that in the 6th grade to play a sport (wrestling), but didn’t have the wherewithal to say, “Nah, I’m good. No thanks”. But I do remember that poor lady was just as uncomfortable as I was.

      As a pre-pubescent, having my testicles tugged down by a kind-looking woman (who was being as professional as humanly possible)… idk, I still remember that, like we both knew it was weird. Ended up quitting anyway, cause wrestling in middle school was definitely awkward. But that physical stuck with me

      And the coach getting reprimanded for showering with us after practice… I kinda wish I was joking. Dodged a bullet for sure, but looking back… fuuuuck. That was a thing I knew wasn’t right. Sorry, that’s an unlocked memory. That lady was gentle and safe with my nads though, so that was cool. Just wish I had a heads up first, christ!

      Sooo, yeahh… idk if that’s normal, but it happens. Probably caused a kink or two, but my sack and I passed the physical. Dunno what we were checking without asking (drop your trousers; balls in hand suddenly), but apparently my bojangles were cool? Damn, completely forgot about that though

      Moral of the story; it is apparently a thing. Dunno if it’s medically weird or not, but it was weird for 6th grade me