The Virginia Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASWVA) strongly opposes the petition by supporters of The Family Foundation that was submitted to the Board of Health April 10, asking for regulation changes that would ban transgender women from sports and label them as public health threats. 

This is not about safety. Instead, it is furthering a narrative of hate, fear, and disinformation against trans people. Per our professional Code of Ethics, we as Virginia social workers who work regularly with and support LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and families will not stand for such discrimination.

No one should face discrimination because of who they are. Trans people have always lived, worked, contributed, and been educated here and always will be. Trans people cannot and will not be erased. The Department of Health serves to protect the health and promote the well-being of ALL people in our state. Across every race, background, and gender, we each deserve to be treated fairly and respectfully.

There is a national effort by some politicians and interest groups to force out transgender people and LGBTQIA2S+ people from public life. These political attacks happen whether we're gay or straight, transgender or not, because they foster discrimination and distract us from the real problems we face.

As the leading provider of behavioral health service in the state and nation, we would strongly prefer the Department of Health focus on evidence-based regulations such as those that improve access to mental and behavioral health for all Virginians, support behavioral health providers such as social workers, and protect and ensure access to and coverage of mental and behavioral health through Medicaid and CHIP, in particular.