A transgender college basketball player in Canada is speaking out about verbal and physical mistreatment

NANAIMO, British Columbia – A transgender college basketball player in Canada says opponents physically attacked her during a game after their coach said she shouldn’t play against women.

University of Vancouver Island forward Harriette Mackenzie, 21, spoke to The Canadian Press and on social media in hopes that sharing what happened would help.

“I am proud of my history. I also want to make something very clear – queer, trans and non-binary people belong in sports,” she said in a social media video. “Hate, violence and bigotry have no place in this league.”

The Mariners (4-0) won two home games against Canadian Bible College last week. Mackenzie said that after the first game, CBC coach Taylor Claggett yelled at a VIU staff member that Mackenzie – who led both teams with 19 points and 16 rebounds – shouldn’t play against the women.

A day later during the second match, Mackenzie said she was physically targeted by opponents and later shared a video from the match showing a CBC player throwing her away from the ball and onto the floor. Mackenzie finished the game with 14 points and four rebounds, and her team won again.

CBC, an evangelical Mennonite college, released a statement late Thursday saying it did not feel Mackenzie’s video “does not accurately reflect all of the events that occurred.”

“Taylor Claggett spoke out about the safety of her players as any good coach would,” the statement read. “We support Taylor Claggett and all of our coaches in voicing their legitimate concerns for the safety of our student-athletes.”

Transgender rights were a major issue in the US presidential race between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump, who in response to the controversy surrounding the San Jose State University volleyball player threatened to exclude transgender athletes from women’s sports.

On Friday, following Mackenzie’s comments, the Pacific Western Conference took note of the “public’s attention” and said that “all student-athletes deserve an inclusive environment, free from harassment, where respect and personal dignity are guiding values.” Intimidation or harassment of PACWEST student-athletes will not be tolerated.”

The league noted that it adheres to the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association’s policy regarding the participation of transgender athletes, which includes parameters regarding testosterone levels and hormone-suppressing medications and substitutes. Mackenzie has stated that she has significantly lower testosterone levels than her teammates and competitors.

“I’m at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to recovery and muscle mass,” said Mackenzie, who said she started making changes in kindergarten or first grade.

Critics always attribute her success to being transgender, says Mackenzie, whose parents played college basketball.

“I believe that all transgender people should be involved in sports. However, this particularly irritates me because I play – and am forced to play – with very unfavorable biological conditions,” she said. “I never went through male puberty. I only went through female puberty. And I don’t have ovaries, I don’t have testicles, so I don’t have the ability to produce testosterone.

Mackenzie told CP that what she experienced last weekend is nothing new and that she has been called names and attacked by players, coaches and fans throughout her basketball career. Mackenzie played college football in Calgary last season and said a lack of support after a teammate’s transphobic comments prompted her to return home and ultimately to VIU, where she helped her team win the 2023 national championship.

“The difference, in terms of fun, team chemistry and all that, was really nice,” she said. “That’s how I remember the feeling of basketball and the joy I got from it.”