This action, although stated to protect woman and girls will only harm them. It will directly exclude transwoman from participating in much of public life and will actively harm many cis-gendered women who do not conform to an outdated idea of femininity. By banning trangender femme people from using spaces labeled "female" it will be difficult for an individual to participate in normal everyday life.

When I first transitioned, I remember often times before leaving the house, I would begin to feel anxiety over the prospect that I might need to use the restroom while I am out. Early in my transition it was easy for an individual to recognize the fact that I was trans. If I found myself in public having the need to use the restroom I would stress over the very prospect for worry that I might make someone else uncomfortable. Often, I would attempt to avoid the problem entirely and hold it as long as humanly possible.  This is not an uncommon sentiment within the community. This anxiety causes many individuals to withdraw from society, thereby cutting themselves off from having a happy an productive life. These types of stressors exist all over daily life for trans individuals. This rule would only further harm this community.


 Imagine not being able to use the restroom while in public because there is no good option available to you. A transgender femme individual using a male restroom would be subject to harassment for using the incorrect restroom or in a worst case scenario harassment of a sexual nature. The best they could hope for when walking into a male restroom and encountering an individual inside would to be told they are using the incorrect restroom. Not only would this inflict embarrassment for this individual having to explain their situation, it could also lead to further harm if they are forced to reveal that they are in fact transgender to someone who might wish harm on a trans individual. Rules like these make living a normal life for a trans individual like walking through a minefield. Constantly having to worry if someone might speak out against them, constantly fearing making someone else uncomfortable for the sake of personal safety.  

Cisgender women who do not conform to traditional beauty standard may find that they are harassed for being seen as transgender. There have already been reports of this occurring in other states that have tried to set similar rules. This action would not protect women and girls from harassment but would enable malicious individuals to target and harass women who they deem to be too "man-ish".

Transgender femme individuals already struggle to exist in public life because of the many controversies surrounding their very existence. Many transgender individuals end up cutting themselves off from public life due to these issues and as a result the mental health of much of the community suffers. This action would only increase the suffering of these individuals and not actually protect anyone. If a cis gender man wanted to enter a woman's restroom to harm a woman, the sign on the wall would not protect anyone, this rule would not deter anyone. 

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. 

I implore you not to vote for this regulation.