“Ngano naay babaye nidula sa mens?” (Why is there a woman playing in the men’s division?)
An all-too-familiar side-comment from the sidelines of one Carsten Tubog’s Intramurals volleyball game.
Fourth-year katusok Carsten Tubog and third-year psychie Sam Garganian are but two of many male-to-female (MTF) transgender athletes participating in this year’s intramural games.
Both identifying as the female gender and both femme-presenting, Carsten often finds others wondering what she’s doing in the men’s division.
“I find it kinda hilarious but it makes me wonder, are the spectators not open to the idea of us playing in the men’s division?” Carsten puzzles.
Damned if She Does, Damned if She Doesn’t
“Where are we going to play? The women’s or the men’s team? If we play for the women’s division, people may think that the team with a trans player will have an advantage against the opposing team,” Carsten adds.
Sam explores this line of questioning, sharing her experiences dealing with repeated rhetorics about trans athletes: “Some people assume we have an unfair advantage or that we don’t belong. People overlook the fact that hormone therapy, training, and individual skill levels play a huge role in performance.”
Addressing another misconception, Sam says that “[people] think we’re trying to ‘take over’ women’s sports, when in reality, we just want to compete and be part of the sport we love.”
In fact, post-transition MTF, Carsten shares some physical difficulty she faces in the men’s volleyball division: “I don’t play how I used to play before. I get exhausted quicker and it’s just generally harder to play, but I still make sure that I give my best in every game.”
Past Play
Ardent athletes, Carsten and Sam share their life-long love for sports.
Carsten reminisces: “I wasn’t a trans athlete back then but I always felt that I was different from my peers. Being trans now, it’s like nothing is trying to stop me from giving my best whenever I play.”
Similarly, Sam’s budding love for sports began in the challenge she found in competition, and the community and discipline it shared with her. “My journey in athletics has been about more than just playing, it’s about proving that trans athletes belong in sports,” she says.
Peace in Community
Sam and Carsten have found incredible support within their sports.
“One of the most meaningful moments was when my teammates openly accepted me without hesitation. There were no awkward conversations—just respect and a shared love for the game,” Sam recalls.
“I have teammates and friends who are part of the LGBTQ community who make playing volleyball more enjoyable.” Carsten continues, “The idea of winning the games I play along with my teammates inspires me to continue playing sports because I get to enjoy the winning moment with my team.”
Policing Play
Sam respects institutions that are genuine and eager in maneuvering the intricacies of trans women joining women’s sports. At the same time, she believes policies made must still allow trans athletes to compete without unnecessary barriers.
“Schools and sports organizations should start by listening to trans athletes. Creating open discussions, implementing clear policies, and providing education about gender diversity can make a big difference,” says Sam. To her, inclusivity isn’t about taking anything away from anyone, it’s about making sure everyone has a fair shot at participating.
Meanwhile, Carsten draws on personal experience and preference, stating that others may have different sentiments: “I personally enjoy playing in the men’s division. The serves and spikes are harder to receive which makes me want to play more and look for the thrill of having to dig those difficult attacks.”
However, Carsten appeals to the university to, first, try.
Try: for trans female athletes in Silliman University to be given the chance to participate in women’s sports in intramurals.
Try: for the sake of trying out new ideas.
“If the institution will let us play in the women’s division, then we can see if it really is better to let us join in the said division. If it doesn’t work out, we can always go back to playing in the men’s division,” Carsten advises.
Putting in the Work
Finding a balance between fairness and inclusivity is key.
“Fairness isn’t about exclusion—it’s about making sure everyone has a space to compete while maintaining the integrity of the game,” Sam emphasizes, advocating for policies grounded in science, fairness, and compassion rather than blanket assumptions.
Playing the Long Game
As a Sillimanian, Carsten shares that Silliman University is one of the institutions in the Philippines that has an inclusive atmosphere towards the LGBT community, where ”we can wear what we want and no one will judge us.”
However, for sports, she wishes that the institution becomes more open to discussions on allowing trans women to play in women’s sports during intramural games.
The core of intramurals is collegiate togetherness, not necessarily overt competitiveness. Thus, for those like Carsten and Sam, who share a passion for sports—like any other athlete—why are they being withheld from expressing their love of the game?
Young trans athletes receiving the opportunity to compete in collegiate sports, for intramurals, is a stepping stone towards a society where trans identities are accepted and embraced—and free from the constant need to justify a need to exist.
They simply are, and that should be enough.
Yet, for now, in a society where the ball is not yet in their court, Sam shares words of advice: “Don’t let fear stop you from doing what you love. There will be challenges, but there will also be people who support you. Find a team, a coach, or a community that respects you. Every time you show up, you’re making a difference for future trans athletes.”
Carsten adds, “Confidence is the best tool you can bring to your battles. The negative comments will be your source of power to show them what you can do.”
Beyond individual experiences, Sam hopes for systemic changes. “I want to see clearer and more inclusive policies, more education, and greater awareness so that trans athletes don’t always have to justify our place in sports,” she says. “Ultimately, I hope for a future where inclusion is the norm, not the exception.”
Carsten and Sam’s stories are those of resilience, passion, and hope. It’s a call for change, not just in sports policies but in the way society perceives trans athletes. As conversations around inclusion continue, one thing is clear—trans athletes, like Sam, are here to stay, and they deserve the right to play.
