Valentina Petrillo, the Italian sprinter who was the first openly transgender athlete to compete in the Paris Paralympics, says she has received nothing but love and acceptance from fans and fellow athletes, despite hateful comments from outsiders like J.K. Rowling.
“It was a perfect life. It was a beautiful life. I was welcomed by everyone.” Petrillo told Reuters.“Outside, I know it’s not the same as it was before.
“We hope this is the start of change for transgender people.”
Petrillo, 51, who is blind, transitioned in 2019 and is proud to be the first openly transgender Paralympic athlete.
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“I’ve been waiting for this day for three years, and for those three years I’ve done everything I could to get this day.” she told BBC Sport. “The historic significance of being the first transgender woman to compete in the Paralympics is an important symbol of inclusivity.”
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Given how many lies are spread about transgender athletes, especially women, it’s no wonder Petrillo became the target of hate and ridicule, with Rowling calling her an “open and proud fraud.” As always, Rowling was wrong: Petrillo failed to reach the finals of the Paralympic Games.
“J.K. Rowling only cares about me using the ladies’ toilet, but she knows nothing about me,” Petrillo told Reuters.
“And just one thing [openly transgender] I am someone who has participated in the Paralympics. The fear that transgender people will destroy the world [of women’s sport] It doesn’t actually exist.
“People said [lots of] Men are competing as women just to win, and that’s not happening at all. This is just transphobia.”
Petrillo takes great pride in who he is and is often the recipient of praise, and it was great to see him receive praise from fans and athletes alike in Paris.
Source: Outsports – www.outsports.com
