As a native Virginian and cisgender woman who has long played on sports teams, I strongly oppose petition 432. Not only does this petition invalidate the existence of transgender women and girls by misgendering them as “men claiming or pretending to be women”, it also mischaracterizes them as presenting a vague, unqualified “harm” or “threat” to cisgender women and girls. As a cisgender woman, I do not feel unsafe or threatened around transgender women and girls, and strongly believe they should be able to play sports.  

The data from a 2023 study proves that transgender youth are more vulnerable to mental health issues and suicidal thoughts and behaviors than their cisgender peers, with 26% of transgender youth attempting suicide compared with 5% of cisgender boys and 11% of cisgender girls (Suarez et al). Transgender youth were also significantly more likely to feel unsafe at school and nearly 70% reported experiencing bullying and harassment from their peers. The Trevor Project clarifies that “LGBTQ+ young people are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity but rather placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society.” Establishing and enforcing a policy that bans transgender women and girls from playing on women’s teams is an example of such mistreatment and stigmatization, which will inherently lead to ostracization, isolation, and increased risk of depression and suicide in an already marginalized and high-risk population.

While stigmatization and harassment can increase the physical and mental health risks to transgender people, inclusive practices and a strong sense of community support can reduce these risk factors. In fact, The Human Rights Foundation emphasizes the extremely positive effect that transgender youth playing on sports teams that align with their gender identity brings, since it makes them feel seen, safe, welcomed, and build confidence during their social transition. Additionally, “[p]rior research has found that student-athletes report lower levels of anxiety and depression, higher levels of self-esteem and self-confidence, and better grades and higher levels of academic performance” (HRC). Thus, playing sports not only helps transgender students feel more connected to their community, but it also helps them stay in physical shape and reduce risks for mental health concerns. I played soccer all throughout my childhood, and I still remember the excitement of scoring a goal and celebrating with my teammates, working hard alongside them during practices, and spending time together outside of practice. At the end of the day, kids just want to play sports with their friends.

A ban such as the one proposed is directly opposed to the goals of the Virginia Department of Health. These goals include fostering healthy, connected, and resilient communities; being a trusted source of public health information; and ensuring conditions that improve health opportunities. If passed, this petition will directly oppose all three of these goals by ostracizing marginalized transgender youth and further dividing communities, denying the existence of transgender people by validating the unfounded claim that “transgender women are men pretending to be women”, and enabling discriminatory conditions that heighten risks to the health and safety of transgender youth.

I would prefer that the Virginia Department of Health prioritize accessibility, reproductive health, and protecting access to gender affirming care. Thank you for your time and consideration.  

Bibliography:

“Facts about Suicide among LGBTQ+ Young People.” The Trevor Project, 5 Feb. 2025, www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/facts-about-lgbtq-youth-suicide/.   

“Get the Facts About Bans on Sports Participation by Transgender & Non-Binary Students.” Human Rights Campaign, www.hrc.org/resources/get-the-facts-about-transgender-non-binary-athletes.

Suarez, Nicolas A., et al. “Disparities in School Connectedness, Unstable Housing, Experiences of Violence, Mental Health, and Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors among Transgender and Cisgender High School Students - Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2023.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 22 Oct. 2024, www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/su/su7304a6.htm.  

“Virginia Department of Health - What We Do.” Virginia Department of Health, www.vdh.virginia.gov/commissioner/what-we-do/.