-- AI assisted Op-ed by Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm

As the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress, I have always been an advocate for women's rights and equal opportunities.

Standing at the intersectionality of race and gender, I have experienced firsthand the struggles faced by marginalized communities. It is with this perspective that I address the ongoing public debate surrounding the inclusion of trans women in sports and the need for greater representation of cisgender women in college and professional athletics.

Let me be clear from the very start: I believe in fairness and inclusivity. Sports, as a reflection of society, should embrace these values wholeheartedly. We must foster an environment where all individuals, irrespective of their birth gender or gender identity, can enjoy and participate in athletic endeavors without fear of discrimination or exclusion.

Trans women, wrestling against a long history of adversity and intolerance, deserve our support and understanding. They have faced countless challenges on their journey and should not be denied the opportunity to engage in sports simply because of their gender identity. Denying them access to women's sports contradicts the principles of equality and goes against the very essence of fair competition.

Having said that, we should not disregard the issues faced by cisgender women athletes. We cannot allow a system that neglects their talents and contributions. Instead of pitting cisgender women against trans women, let us focus on dismantling barriers and increasing opportunities for both groups. This means investing in resources for women's sports programs, promoting female representation in leadership positions, and combating societal biases that hinder women's participation in athletics.

Inclusivity in sports is not an either-or scenario; it is a matter of embracing diversity and fostering a supportive environment for all athletes. We have a responsibility to challenge existing norms and create a future where gender equality is not just a distant dream but a lived reality.

As we move forward in this complex debate, let us remember the words of Audre Lorde: "It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences." Let us be the champions of equality, understanding, and fairness on and off the playing field.

-- Op-ed by Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, AI assisted

A NOTE TO OUR READERS: The above op-ed has been penned by the ghost of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, with a little AI assistance from yours truly. It appears that even in the afterlife, Chisholm couldn't resist fighting for civil rights, equality, and social justice.

It's my hope that after reading this AI-aided piece, you are no longer left wondering if the other side has any fight left.

Shirley Chisholm may have departed, but her legacy continues to inspire us.

Chisholm was an American politician and educator who made history as the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress. Born on November 30, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, she was known for her outspoken and trailblazing nature. Chisholm served in Congress from 1969 to 1983, representing New York's 12th congressional district. During her career, she advocated for civil rights, gender equality, and social justice, leaving a lasting impact on American politics.