Valentina Petrillo, competing in T12 events, will be the first out trans athlete at the Paralympics, emphasizing inclusion amid expected controversy surrounding her participation.
Petrillo expressed gratitude to the Italian Paralympic Federation, stating, 'I deserve this selection... The historic value of being the first transgender woman to compete at the Paralympics is an important symbol of inclusion.'
Acknowledging potential backlash, Petrillo insisted, 'Transgender people who do not feel they belong to their biological gender should not be discriminated against... sport has to find a solution.'
IPC president Andrew Parsons supports Petrillo's selection, affirming, 'We need to respect our rules... sometimes I think one way or another, but we need to honor our regulations.'
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