Cal Calamia, a rising star in the nonbinary running category, shares their advocacy for nonbinary runners and the challenges they face. The podcast delves into the investigation by the Anti-Doping Agency and the complex relationship between testosterone and athletic performance. It also explores the politics of testosterone and the therapeutic use exemption, providing hope for a less invasive process for trans and non-binary athletes.
The introduction of a non-binary category in the New York City Marathon is a significant step towards inclusivity in sports.
The incident involving Cal Calamia's use of testosterone raises important questions about fairness, equity, and the need for comprehensive policies surrounding gender identity and hormone therapy in sports.
Deep dives
The Emergence of the Non-Binary Category in the New York City Marathon
For the first time in the history of the New York City Marathon, a non-binary category has been introduced. This category is a result of advocacy from trans and non-binary athletes like Cal Calamia, who has been a rising star in this emerging division. However, Cal's journey took a turn when he was caught by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for using testosterone as part of his gender affirming hormone therapy. This incident raises questions about fairness, equity, and gender identity in sports.
The Conflict between Sarah Barker's Criticism and Cal Calamia's Experience
Freelance writer Sarah Barker, in an article, criticizes the inclusion of gender identity in the non-binary category, arguing that it allows non-binary athletes an unfair advantage. She reported Cal Calamia to USADA. Cal strongly refutes this claim, stating that being trans is a disadvantage and his use of testosterone is for gender affirmation, not for enhancing performance. Moreover, the incident raises concerns about the potential for malicious reporting against other non-binary runners, endangering their participation in sports.
The Complications of the Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) Process
Cal goes through the TUE application process, which requires extensive medical and psychological documentation. However, Cal becomes uncomfortable with the invasive nature of the process and the assumption that being trans is a disorder. Despite the confusion and the delay in receiving a response, Cal is ultimately granted a therapeutic use exemption, allowing him to compete in both the men's and non-binary categories. This experience highlights the need for more comprehensive and inclusive policies surrounding gender identity and hormone therapy in sports.
Today is the New York City Marathon. Around 50,000 runners are racing in the men's and women's divisions. And this year, for only the third time in the race's history, a number of runners will be competing in the nonbinary category.
The nonbinary division emerged due to advocacy from trans and nonbinary athletes like Cal Calamia—a rising star in this emerging category. Calamia, who uses both he and they pronouns, is trans and nonbinary, and he started his transition back in 2019. In the last two years, Calamia has been advocating for nonbinary runners and sharing his journey with thousands of social media followers.
But this summer, Calamia caught the attention of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, or USADA, for using a prohibited substance. And that substance? Testosterone—which Calamia has been taking for years as part of his gender affirming hormone therapy.