"Huge mistake because of politics, not science...Shame on them" - Martina Navratilova lashes out at AAP over 'malpractice' of 'transing gay kids'

Martina Navratilova has vociferously criticized the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) over what she claimed was the institution's practice of gender transitioning children. According to the American, the AAP's controversial approach is not backed by science, but rather, politics.

In the 1980s, Navratilova came out as gay and since then, she has been vocal about her support for gay and lesbian people, who have often been ostracized by conventional sections of society. In recent years, the former World No. 1 has also aired her opposition against the reportedly forced gender transitioning of homosexual children or kids expressing gender non-conformity.

Recently, Martina Navratilova spoke on behalf of LGBT Courage Coalition, a group that advocates lesbian, gay, transgender and transgender individuals' rights. The 18-time singles Major winner claimed that the children who are forced to transition get 'hurt'.

"Kids who are just like I was when I was little, they're the ones getting hurt by this malpractice. There's nothing wrong with a girl wanting to play sports with boys. Nothing wrong with girls who like playing with them. Nothing wrong with growing up to be a lesbian or a gay man. It's kids like us who have been failed by the doctors that let this happen," Navratilova said.

The former World No. 1 went on to lambast the AAP and its political affiliations. According to her, the institution's questionable methods are rooted not in science, but politics.

"AAP made a huge mistake and they did it because of politics, not science. A systematic review of evidence, called The CASS Review, shows the fact that if AAP were practicing science that they would correct themselves based on the best available information. Instead, AAP has doubled down on politics by inviting Rachel Levine to headline their convention in Orlando this weekend. Shame on them," Navratilova added.

Martina Navratilova backs J. K. Rowling after author's outburst at professor's bold gender transitioning claims

Martina Navratilova (Source: Getty)

In May 2024, author J. K. Rowling took notice of a video featuring Dr. Robert Garofalo, where he opened up about his approach to gender-transitioning children.

Rowling was quite critical of the professor, citing the lack of scientific evidence on the subject. Navratilova later chimed in as well, as she lambasted Dr. Garofalo over not considering psychological evaluation of children necessary in the gender-transitioning process.

"The irresponsibility of this is off the charts. I truly can’t believe how flippant this guy is about it all- no problem- the kid knows better than us so let’s get started on those puberty ASAP, shall we? It’s criminal," Navratilova wrote on X.

Both Rowling and Navratilova were later criticized for their views on children being gender-transitioned. However, the former World No. 1 maintained that the likes of herself and Rowling were not to blame for the difficulties experienced by children undergoing gender-transitioning.