As a woman athlete and coach, I strongly oppose petition 432.

 

Banning trans women from women's sports does not make women safer. Trans women are not dangerous. The fearmongering and discrimination that prevents young athletes from playing sports that align with their gender identity is a present danger to individuals' mental and physical health.

 

Regular exercise is proven to improve physical and mental health. Sports teams build social connections, teach teamwork, responsibility, and hard work. Sports was a huge part of my high school experience and how I met my best friends. Playing on sports teams that accept and respect players for who they are is so important for young athletes today. 

 

The primary sport I play and coach is ultimate frisbee, which is a growing sport in Virginia. Ultimate frisbee is explicitly accepting of trans athletes and has been for years. As per the USA Ultimate Policy: "USA Ultimate will not discriminate on the basis of gender identity, regardless of sex assigned at birth, or any other form of gender expression for participation in any division. We affirm that people of all gender identities should have the freedom to participate in USA Ultimate sanctioned or championship series events in the division in which they feel most comfortable and safe based on their gender identity and should be recognized, respected and included at every level of the sport." 

 

Much of the fear around trans girls participating in sports is supposedly concern for their teammates safety in the locker room. Myself, and all of the coaches I work with have completed SafeSport training designed to prevent abuse, sexual harassment, and misconduct on sports teams. No one should be making inappropriate comments or inappropriate contact with other athletes in ANY setting. We make it clear that behavior is not tolerated. Trans girls existing and going about daily routines such as using the bathroom or changing into their uniform is not a threat to other players and should not be treated as such. 

 

The teams and programs I work with have never had an issue with trans girls or trans women participating. No one has reported feeling unsafe or harmed by their inclusion. In fact, my teams, programs, and community are all better for having these athletes participate. Trans athletes are not inherently stronger, faster, or in any way better than their cis teammates. They play because, like the rest of us, they love the sport and comradery. It would be directly harmful for all of my athletes and our community if trans women were excluded from participating. 

 

Trans women are not dangerous. Trans women deserve to play sports and play on women's teams.