To whom it may concern:

I live in Leesburg, Virginia and I oppose Petition 432.

I am also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, practicing in Virginia.    I have worked with women in domestic violence settings.  I have worked with members of the LGBTQIA+ community in work and community life.  I have known and loved remarkable Trans individuals.  
Based on research, experience, my faith and our Constitutional values that say "all are created equal," I must opposed any policy that is based on hateful misinformation, that allows for discrimination.  

This petition is not about locker rooms - it discrimination based on ignorance and fear. The Board of Health has no business labeling groups of people harmful based on who they are. 

As a licensed clinical social worker (LSCW) with experience in domestic violence, school and other settings, I can attest that there are 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.

Across our races, backgrounds, and genders, we all deserve to be treated fairly. There is a nationwide effort by some politicians and interest groups to force transgender people and LGBTQ+ people out of public life. These political attacks harm us all, whether we’re gay or straight, transgender or not, because they foster discrimination and distract us from the real problems we face. 

As you likely know, trans individuals are more likely to be harmed, bullied, and victimized than the other way around.  I have seen it at airports, heard about it from clients and loved ones, in local community meetings, and heard the hateful speech that too often fills the media and school board and other community meetings.  I have witnessed the harm, fear that comes to these indiviuals based on lies, distortions and fear.   

As a Christian, I believe that ALL are God's children.  That we are our to be our  brothers and sisters and siblings' keepers.  That we are to love - with a special care for those on the margins.  

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. 

Sincerely,

Margaret Lang-Garnhart

210 Wirt Street SW, Suite 301

Leesburg, VA 20175