Trans Athlete AB Hernandez Breaks Silence: “It’s Weird” to Be Protested at Track Events!

AB Hernandez, a trans athlete, expressed frustration and confusion over protests against her participation in high school track events. Hernandez, who competes as a trans woman, has been at the center of a heated debate regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports. Despite facing significant backlash, Hernandez believes that she has every right to compete and pursue her goals, just as any other athlete would.

The protests began when Hernandez’s participation in a track meet was met with vocal opposition from some parents and community members. They argued that her presence in the event was unfair to cisgender female athletes, raising concerns about an alleged competitive advantage due to her trans identity. These protests sparked a wider conversation about whether trans athletes should be allowed to compete in categories aligned with their gender identity or whether they should be required to compete according to the sex they were assigned at birth.

“I honestly find it weird that people are protesting something that I have the right to do,” Hernandez said in an interview. “I’m just doing what I want to do, just like anyone else in the race. Why is it such a big deal?”

Hernandez’s words reflect the ongoing challenges that trans athletes face in sports today. While many see their participation as an important step towards inclusivity, others continue to raise concerns about fairness and safety in competitive settings. The debate around transgender athletes often centers on the physical advantages that some may have due to hormone treatments or other factors, leading to calls for stricter regulations or bans on trans athletes in certain sports.

However, Hernandez emphasized that her journey in sports has always been about self-expression and personal growth. She shared how athletics had been a source of empowerment for her, especially in her early years of transition, when she found acceptance and belonging through her participation. “For me, being able to compete in track is a way to show the world that I can be both a trans woman and an athlete,” she said.

Despite the protests, Hernandez’s participation has been supported by many within the LGBTQ+ community, who argue that inclusion in sports is a fundamental human right. They point to studies showing the positive mental health benefits of sports for trans individuals, including improved self-esteem, social connections, and overall well-being. Advocates also argue that trans athletes, like Hernandez, should be able to compete in a way that aligns with their gender identity, as this fosters equality and inclusivity in sports.

“We have to look at the bigger picture here. It’s not about whether a trans person is taking away opportunities from others, but about allowing everyone to participate in a way that feels true to themselves,” said one of Hernandez’s supporters. “The more we see these athletes out there, the more we show that trans people belong in every space—on the field, in the classroom, in life.”

Despite the ongoing controversy, Hernandez remains focused on her goals, using her platform to advocate for trans rights and inclusivity in sports. She is determined to continue competing, regardless of the challenges she faces. “I just want to do my best and be my true self. At the end of the day, that’s all anyone can ask for,” she said.

While the protests against Hernandez’s participation have sparked tension, they have also highlighted the larger issue of transgender rights in sports and the ongoing need for greater inclusivity and understanding. As the debate continues, athletes like Hernandez are pushing the boundaries of what it means to be an athlete and a trans person in today’s society.