Nike Allegedly Funding Study on Puberty Blockers for Trans-Identifying Athletes
Nike is reportedly funding a study on the use of puberty blockers and their effects on the performance of young athletes. According to an April 20 New York Times article, the study focuses specifically on adolescents who identify as transgender.
The New York Times reveals that a researcher at an Oregon college is one of the main people behind the study: “Joanna Harper, a leading researcher of trans athletes at Oregon Health & Science University… is currently helping to lead an ambitious study of trans adolescents that measures their results on a 10-step fitness test before they start hormone therapy and then, after they have begun to medically transition, every six months for five years.”
This study faces obstacles from the Trump administration, according to Harper, who also revealed that Nike is funding it. Shortly into his term, President Trump signed executive orders prohibiting gender-affirming care for minors and keeping men from participating in women’s sports in tax-funded schools.
Harper further stated: “The study is being funded by Nike. The problem was Trump’s separate order targeting medical care for transgender youth. ‘If we can’t perform gender-affirming care…then we can’t bring people into the study.’”
Nike, founded in Oregon–where Harper’s study was conducted–is headquartered in Beaverton. It appears that Nike is the chief, if not the sole, funder of the study. The sports apparel company has yet to confirm publicly.
Former NFL sideline reporter Michelle Tafoya discussed the study with Tomi Lahren on the platform Outkick and stated why it defeats any purpose of inclusivity the company may promote.
“I think this is a big deal because the only reason I can think that Nike would be involved in this is to… be inclusive and include trans girls, again folks, biological boys, biological males, in girls’ sports, so that they’re not excluded. But, by doing that, you are excluding girls,” Tafoya stated.
