Earlier this week, in an impassioned speech as part of his Hansen Unplugged segment, WFAA-TV sports anchor Dale Hansen called for “simple decency” in allowing 17-year-old Mack Beggs to participate in titles corresponding with his present gender.

Due to state regulations enforced by Texas’s school sport governing body – the University Interscholastic League (UIL) – Mack was only allowed to compete with the sex assigned to him at birth.

His subsequent victory in the girls’ wrestling title led to criticism and a lawsuit against the UIL over his use of medically prescribed steroids.

Those steroids are believed to have given him – in the words of Hansen – an “incredibly unfair advantage” over his female opponents.

Referencing gay Missouri footballer Michael Sam, Hansen conceded that while he did not fully understand “his world… I do understand he's a part of mine”.

“And I am saying the same thing now about Mack Beggs,” Hansen said.

The anchor went on to point out the unnecessary hardship caused to Mack, due to current state laws failing to recognise his new gender.

“Transitioning is a struggle I cannot imagine. It is a journey I could not make... and it is a life that too many cannot live,” he said.

“The problems that Mack Beggs is facing and dealing with now remind me again that I don't have any problems.

“He needs our support, and he does not need a group of old men in Austin telling him who to wrestle because of a genetic mix-up at birth.

“We have argued long enough about birth certificates. It's an argument that needs to end.”

Hansen concluded by pleading for viewers to treat Mack with compassion.

“Mack Beggs is not the problem so many people make him out to be,” he said.

“He's a child simply looking for his place in the world, and a chance to compete in the world.

“Do we really not have the simple decency to allow him at least that?”

Mack recently spoke to USA Today about deciding not to let other people’s hatred control him.

He advised “anyone who is struggling” to be true to themselves.