I live in Leesburg/Loudoun County and I oppose Petition 432.

Let’s call this petition what it is: transphobia and discrimination masked as a safety measure. I am a cis woman and I am calling out this political attack that harms us all by separating people into ‘us’ and ‘them’. The idea that trans women are a public health threat is not based in fact. Trans women are far more likely to be the victims of assault and hate crimes, not perpetrators of them. The Board of Health should soundly reject this ridiculous conjecture.

Instead of reacting with fear, I urge the Board of Health to focus their attention on real public health issues facing women and girls in Virginia, like domestic violence, maternal health, and poverty. Don’t let this hateful petition distract from your important mission to protect the health and promote the well-being of ALL people in Virginia.

I have trans women in my family and among my friends. They are caring, compassionate people who buy groceries, listen to music, laugh with friends, and make plans for their futures. Just like you. Just like me. Their trans identity does not make them mentally ill or instill in them a desire to skulk about locker rooms. They just want to be themselves. No one should face discrimination because of who they are.