In a compelling and heartfelt testimony before a House Judiciary subcommittee, former NCAA Division 1 swimmer, Paula Scanlan, recounted her experience as a member of the University of Pennsylvania women’s swim team alongside transgender swimmer Lia Thomas.

The hearing, which focused on “gender-affirming care for minors,” provided Scanlan with an opportunity to voice her concerns about the impact of Thomas’ presence in the team’s locker room, especially considering her own history as a survivor of sexual assault.

Scanlan, now a spokesperson and adviser for the Independent Women’s Forum, opened her statement with a stirring revelation. She highlighted how university officials appeared to dismiss the team’s apprehensions, insisting that Thomas’ participation on the team was non-negotiable, according to reports from Fox News.

During her testimony, Scanlan shed light on the sensitive issue of changing and undressing in the presence of a biologically male individual. With emotion in her voice, she described how some team members resorted to using bathroom stalls or family bathrooms to avoid undressing in front of Thomas.

Furthermore, expressing her frustration, Scanlan disclosed how the athletic department seemingly disregarded their concerns and offered psychological services instead, aiming to acclimate them to the situation.

One poignant moment was when Scanlan discussed an op-ed she had written for the student paper, which delved into the scientific differences between biological males and females. To her surprise, the article was later retracted without her knowledge which is something we are seeing across many University’s today. A disturbing pattern of the erosion of free speech has been very common in the last three years.

Scanlan also underscored the broader implications of this issue, lamenting the erosion of women’s spaces and opportunities in the pursuit of equality and safety. As a survivor of sexual assault, she stressed that Thomas’ presence in the locker room went beyond matters of fair competition; it affected the well-being of those with histories of trauma.

“I was sexually assaulted on June 3rd of 2016. I was only 16 years old. I was able to forgive my attacker but violence against women still exists. Let us not forget the viral MeToo movement that empowered female victims to speak up. It casts a spotlight on the widespread prevalence of sexual assault and abuse, including in scholarly and educational institutions,” Scanlan shared, with a voice that carried the weight of her experiences and those of others.

The hearing brought to light the complexities surrounding “gender-affirming care” and the role of parents in making decisions. The testimony of Paula Scanlan gave a voice to those whose concerns and experiences demand careful consideration in the ongoing conversations about gender identity and fair competition in sports.

As the nation continues to grapple with the issue of transgender athletes in women’s sports, the story of Paula Scanlan and her courageous testimony reminds us of the human element at the heart of this debate and the importance of finding thoughtful and compassionate solutions moving forward.

Follow Alexander Carter on Twitter @AlexCarterDC for more!