I live in Arlington and I oppose Action 4905.

The Board of Health has no business labeling groups of people harmful based on who they are.

As a female athlete and feminist activist, I have seen firsthand the way sports can empower women and girls, build community, and strengthen us physically and mentally. I would never want a trans girl to feel like she didn't belong.

I had the honor of participating in the New York Road Runners Mini 10k, a historic women's 10k known for breaking barriers in women's racing, the first year it permitted trans runners. I didn't feel anything but joy that the event was open to ALL women. And anyone who has the bigoted idea that trans women will somehow automatically overpower all cis women should have watched that race, because the elite women runners there would teach them a thing or two. Denying trans girls the equal opportunity to play isn't leveling the playing field. It's promoting outdated, sexist narratives about the power of women athletes, while telling our trans sisters, daughters, and friends that they don't belong.

Trans bans rely on outdated gender stereotypes-- even as woman with short hair, I have had people glare at me in public restrooms because I don't match with their idea of what a woman "should" look like. It sends our daughters a terrible message in the name of "protecting" them.

This proposed regulation has nothing to do with the health of Virginians and everything to do with discrimination. No one should face discrimination because of who they are. Trans people have always been here, and always will be. Trans people cannot and will not be erased.