This proposed bill is an insult to the transgender community and to the freedoms of all Virginians. The fact that this is even being proposed while there are still homeless people in our city, people that can't pay groceries because of inflation an price gouging, or can't get healthcare due to medical debt. The government should prioritize real issues instead of platforming this vile hate speech by ignorant and cruel bigots. Give me Liberty or Give me Death!

Nadelyn King

IWW Journalist

E-4 Army Veteran 14J Early Warning Operator

The three persons who submitted this petiton should be ashamed of themselves for filing such hate speech with clear intent to harm. The Department of Health has real issues to look into and address such as the extreme prevalence of black mold in rental units, the lack of upgrades and equipment failsafes at the Richmond city water plant, and resisting the no doubt impending order to disregard vaccines in defiance of all evidence that vaccination is our means of slowing and eradicating the spread of disease.

Transphobia is certainly a public health crisis, but it is a crisis that affects the queer community, BIPOC, and anyone who does not meet ‘acceptable’ gender presentation. The federal government is indulging in genocidal actions against transgender people across the globe and we are seriously expected to give the time of day to three people who want to let you know that they just can’t stop thinking about other people’s genitals? Patently absurd. This petition should have been filed in the correct receptacle: the garbage.

This petition is a blatant attempt to distract citizens from the real issues facing our commonwealth. Virginian’s are going bankrupt trying to pay for hospital bills, prescriptions, and groceries. Greedy politicians are trying to divide us when we have more in common with each other than we do with them. Drug test politicians, corporations aren’t people, tax the rich. 

This petition uses an incredibly niche issue (trans participation in professional and collegiate sports) to enact highly discriminatory policies that will affect not only all trans women, but all women who do not meet whatever arbitrary standards for femininity that are set forth. It's a complete farce designed to alienate trans women and put them in harm's way. The sentiment behind barring trans women from restrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms, etc., is no different than the lesbophobia of decades past. 

Athletic regulatory bodies are perfectly capable of setting appropriate restrictions on trans athletes on a case by case basis, should the need arise. This is not the job of the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

This introduction is gross and comes at a time when people can't afford rent/housing, food, or proper healthcare and THIS is what we're allowing in to be heard? How about we pass laws that keep landlords from gouging prices, or kicking people out to get a higher rent? Maybe more food banks considering we're directly headed towards recession? How about lowering the threshold for families on the cusp of the poverty lines? But this? It's gross and tone-deaf when your constituents are starving to death, homeless or dying of preventable issues. 

This is 1- not a legitimate issue. And 2- reflecting poorly on actual issues that need to be addressed in our state. People can’t afford basic necessities, and this is what the board is worried about? 

The fact is that trans representation in sports is so small it is statistically insignificant. Further anti trans regulations prove to hurt both trans and cis people. The harm to trans people is obvious in that it bars them from activities they should be allowed to take place in. The harm to cis people is often in the form of being  profiled as trans when they don't abide by  traditional gender norms in clothing and hair styles. In the end this will just hurt people that are  hurting no one.

Yes yes, we've heard it all before. "but this is such a small thing, using the word persecute really?" but this is how it starts. it's a snowball effect. the people who want trans people gone in general are starting with this, this seemingly "small" way of getting people on their side, of being anti-trans. it will only continue, it will only get worse. and that's beyond the fact there is no reputable evidence that trans people have any sort of advantage in sports, in fact the opposite - trans athletes on average perform worse than cis athletes. but even if that weren't true, they're just people, doing the thing they love, and we never claim someone like michael phelps shouldn't compete despite having an actual, verifiable biological advantage.

There is no evidence to suggest trans women have an advantage in sports. There aren’t many trans women competing so I don’t know why you are wasting your time on this. 

Where is our freedom for self expression? Why can the government tell someone who they can or can’t be, look like, go by, etc? Let people be themselves. When people are fully themselves, they are at their happiest and fullest potential. Why wouldn’t you want that? You’d want someone to hide and feel like they don’t belong instead? You will never erase trans people, you will only force them to hide. They have always and will always exist! Why not celebrate that? All kids deserve the opportunity to play, compete, win and lose. Trans rights are HUMAN rights. This seems like an excuse to control and manipulate people who literally just want to exist as people. Please move onto something else like how we can keep our kids safe in the gun violence epidemic or about how we can keep sex offenders out of our schools. 

I find it ironic that those who want smaller government are okay with this level of intrusion into personal privacy. What happened to the conservatives who wanted lower taxes for everyone so we could all try for the American dream. This targeting of such a small group of people is a distraction. It's a scapegoat, and eventually, it'll be you on the chopping block, and there will be no one left to speak for you

Leave trans people alone. There is zero evidence to support the claims in this bill or any other bill like it. We are wasting an absurd amount of tax dollars on something that does not exist, and does not affect anyone. This is fear mongering and hateful. 

I'm writing to strongly oppose the idea that allowing trans women and girls to play sports is a public health crisis. This claim simply isn't backed by science or public health data—it's a political move dressed up in health language, and it targets an already vulnerable and marginalized group: trans youth.

There’s no evidence that trans people participating in sports poses any kind of widespread health risk. On the other hand, we do have solid research showing that trans youth face much higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide—often because of rejection, exclusion, and discriminatory policies like this. Being part of a team and feeling accepted can be a lifeline for them. That’s what we should be protecting.

Groups like the American Medical Association and the American Public Health Association have made it clear: trans people should be included in sports and in society. It’s better for their health, and it does not harm anyone else.

Calling this a public health crisis is not only misleading—it distracts from real public health issues and uses fear to single out and shame youth who just want to belong. I hope the Virginia Department of Health will reject this harmful petition and stand up for policies based on facts, not fear.

Virginia has held a wonderful and example-setting boundary on social issues in the southern states. We have a long history of being an inclusive, diverse, and proactive state in many social issue settings and I would like to see this tradition continue even through difficult politics atmospheres. This proposition sets a dangerous precedent for over-governing in social and health issues in Virginia and is merely a product of unfounded fear mongering set forth by a loud minority. Trans folks belong in Virginia and deserve the same rights and liberties to pursue their lives and happiness and fulfillment to the fullest along with everyone else. Thank you.

This is an attempt to conflate trans issues with a public health crisis and not in the way you would think. Calling this a public health crisis is not only misleading—it distracts from real public health issues and uses fear to single out and shame our young people who just want to belong. When was the last time you genuinely spent time with our trans-youths and trans-youth athletes? Have you asked how they feel and about their experiences? To propose any solution without learning in depth the very intricacies and individual experiences these amazing young people exist in it would be bias, discriminatory and truthfully unfair for all parties involved. We can learn together and should no longer feel the need to lead with hate, but rather with acceptance, respect and love.

It's tiring having these people hypocritically spew out "protect women" time and time again when they never do that, they never speak out when women are in danger. They speak out when they see a trans woman playing a sport. One of the side effects of estrogen states you lose your muscle mass and it will be harder to gain. The "biological advantage" makes zero sense like banning Trans Women from sports. It makes zero sense.

Please !  Biological Men must not participate in Female sports.

There’s not a whole lot to be added to the argument that men have an advantage when competing with women in sports.

This regulatory action would be a vital step toward restoring fairness in competition and preserving the privacy and safety of women and girls.  Thank you for your courage on behalf of my daughters.

I urge the Virginia Board of Health to approve this petition for rulemaking to limit female sports and spaces to biological women only. This is not about discrimination; it’s about fairness, safety, and truth. Ignoring biological reality in favor of ideology harms women and girls the most. The state has a duty to protect its citizens, especially the most vulnerable, from policies that erase meaningful distinctions between male and female. Please approve this request for rulemaking and help Virginia lead the way in protecting women’s sports and spaces.

I'm writing to firmly oppose the claim that allowing trans women and girls to participate in sports constitutes a public health crisis. This assertion lacks any scientific or public health basis. Instead, it appears to be a politically motivated narrative that unfairly targets trans youth—a group that is already vulnerable and marginalized.

There is no credible evidence suggesting that the inclusion of trans individuals in sports presents any kind of broad health threat. In contrast, there is well-documented research showing that trans youth face significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide—largely due to rejection, isolation, and discriminatory practices like this one. Participation in sports and inclusion on a team can offer a sense of belonging and support that is critical to their well-being. That’s what we should be working to protect.

Leading health organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Public Health Association, have made their stance clear: trans individuals should be welcomed in both sports and society. Inclusion supports their health and does not harm others.

Framing this issue as a public health crisis is not only inaccurate—it also distracts from genuine health concerns and weaponizes fear to stigmatize young people who are simply seeking acceptance. I urge the Virginia Department of Health to reject this harmful and misleading petition, and to support policies grounded in evidence, not fear.

As a former Physical Education teacher, I am completely opposed to men competing in women’s sports and encourage our representatives in Virginia to join in standing strong to enforce this position.

Biological men have no business playing competitive sports against biological women.

If it is fair, why are women mot winning in men's sports.

I’m a grandparent of multiple granddaughters who will plays sports, and I want them to grow up in a state that values their safety and dignity. Women and girls should never be put in a position where they are forced to share private facilities with biological males, lose out on athletic achievements because of an unfair playing field, or worse, have their bodily privacy and safety jeopardized. These proposed regulations would be a common-sense safeguard for our children. Please stand firm and protect the rights, privacy, and athletic opportunities of young women across Virginia.

I’m a parent of a daughter who plays sports, and I want her to grow up in a state that values her safety and dignity. Women and girls should never be put in a position where they are forced to share private facilities with biological males, lose out on athletic achievements because of an unfair playing field, or worse, have their bodily privacy and safety jeopardized. These proposed regulations would be a common-sense safeguard for our children. Please stand firm and protect the rights, privacy, and athletic opportunities of young women across Virginia.

I’m a Grandparent of 3 granddaughters who play sports, and I want them to grow, as their Moms did, up in a state that values her safety and dignity. Women and girls should never be put in a position where they are forced to share private facilities with biological males, lose out on athletic achievements because of an unfair playing field, or worse, have their bodily privacy and safety jeopardized. These proposed regulations would be a common-sense safeguard for our children. Please stand firm and protect the rights, privacy, and athletic opportunities of young women across Virginia.

I urge the Virginia Board of Health to approve this petition for rulemaking to limit female sports and spaces to biological women only. This is about reality, the truth that biological sex and gender are identical. It’s about fairness and safety. Ignoring biological and gender reality in favor of ideology harms women and girls the most. The state has a duty to protect its citizens, especially the most vulnerable, from policies that erase meaningful distinctions between male and female. Please approve this request for rulemaking and help Virginia lead the way in protecting women’s sports and spaces.

As a physician and parent in Richmond, I urge the Virginia Board of Health to approve this petition for rule-making to limit female sports and spaces to biological women only. This is not about discrimination against anyone; it’s about fairness, safety, and respecting the differences in women’s and men’s bodies.   Please approve this request for rule-making and help Virginia lead the way in protecting women’s sports and spaces.

As a Professional Nurse and Advocate I stand with biological females and their sports. You can take hormones and attempt to change your gender but biologically and scientifically you are still a male or female. The safety and dignity of biological females needs to be protected along with the sports they play. Gender confusion is a real issue but the answer is not surgery and mixing biological males into female sports. The gender transitions I have been reading about (especially minors) is a total lack of regard to humanity and the understanding of neurodevelopment. My vote is for females only in female sports. 

Jennifer Farney BSN, RN

I urge the Virginia Board of Health to approve this petition for rulemaking to limit female sports and spaces to biological women only. This is not about discrimination; it’s about fairness, safety, and truth. Ignoring biological reality in favor of ideology harms women and girls the most. The state has a duty to protect its citizens, especially the most vulnerable, from policies that erase meaningful distinctions between male and female. Please approve this request for rulemaking and help Virginia lead the way in protecting women’s sports and spaces.

Having worked in the health and fitness industry, I am aware that biological men have 30% more muscle mass than biological females. It is an unfair muscle advantage. wrestling has just been introduced in our local high school, It has been proven that the Teenage boys cannot compete fairly against teenage girls. The girls get injured easily. We have seen that happen to someone that we care about.
 please protect Women’s sports!

I urge the Virginia Board of Health to approve this petition for rulemaking to limit female sports and spaces to biological women only. This is not about discrimination but about the safety of our girls and women. As a grandmother of three young girls I want them to have the opportunity to compete in sports safely and fairly. Ignoring biological reality in favor of ideology harms our girls the most. The state has a responsibility to protect its citizens, especially those that are the most vulnerable, from policies that erase meaningful distinctions between male and female. 

I support banning males from participating in women's sports

I’ve read a few comments on Virginians loving the transgender person. Love is telling the truth and being honest with a person. Biological men competing against biological female athletes is about what’s normal and right since man and women were created. The sexes are different for obvious reasons. A transgender female is still a male no matter how you look at it. They are physically stronger than the females they compete against. It’s not fair to the girl athletes who have trained so hard only to be defeated by a man. Transgenders are welcome in Virginia as well in the US as that is there right but it’s not a right to compete in women’s sports. 

I'm pleased that Virginia has this petition and fully support it.  When testosterone starts being made, it changes the whole body. Injected Testosterone also does this.  Biological females do not have this. As a male reaches puberty, the hormone is able to influence increased muscle mass, a lower voice, and other obvious changes. Giving him extra female hormones does not erase those changes.

I urge the Virginia Board of Health to approve this petition for rulemaking to limit female sports and spaces to biological women only. This is not about discrimination; it’s about fairness, safety, and truth. Ignoring biological reality in favor of ideology harms women and girls the most. The state has a duty to protect its citizens, especially the most vulnerable, from policies that erase meaningful distinctions between male and female. Please approve this request for rulemaking and help Virginia lead the way in protecting women’s sports and spaces.

I urge the Virginia Board of Health to approve this petition for rulemaking to limit female sports and spaces to biological women only. This is not about discrimination; it’s about fairness, safety, and truth. Ignoring biological reality in favor of ideology harms women and girls the most. The state has a duty to protect its citizens, especially the most vulnerable, from policies that erase meaningful distinctions between male and female. Please approve this request for rulemaking and help Virginia lead the way in protecting women’s sports and spaces.

 I urge the Virginia Board of Health to approve this petition for rulemaking to limit female sports and spaces to biological women only. This is not about discrimination; it’s about fairness, safety, common sense and truth. Ignoring biological reality in favor of ideology harms women and girls the most. The state has a duty to protect its citizens, especially the most vulnerable, from policies that erase meaningful distinctions between male and female. Please approve this request for rulemaking and help Virginia lead the way in protecting women’s sports and spaces.

I urge the Virginia Board of Health to approve this petition for rulemaking to limit female sports and spaces to biological women only. This is not about discrimination; it’s about fairness, safety, and truth. Ignoring biological reality in favor of ideology harms women and girls the most. The state has a duty to protect its citizens, especially the most vulnerable, from policies that erase meaningful distinctions between male and female. Please approve this request for rulemaking and help Virginia lead the way in protecting women’s sports and spaces.

Protect Women's sports. Biological women only in women's sports, bathrooms, & dressing rooms! 

KEEP BIO MALES OUT OF BIO FEMALES' SPORTS AND LOCKER  ROOMS.!!!! WTF????!!!!

I support women’s sports to only have biological women compete against the biological women! This support is based on the safety of the female athletes because common sense says biological males are designed to be stronger regardless if they “feel” like a girl. They are not, they were born males and should be competing with other men or other trans. 

I’m the mother of a young daughter who will one day play sports, and I want her to grow up in a state that values her safety and dignity. Women and girls should never be put in a position where they are forced to share private facilities with biological males, lose out on athletic achievements because of an unfair playing field, or worse, have their bodily privacy and safety jeopardized. These proposed regulations would be a common-sense safeguard for our children. Please stand firm and protect the rights, privacy, and athletic opportunities of young women across Virginia.

If you’re a concerned citizen:

I urge the Virginia Board of Health to approve this petition for rulemaking to limit female sports and spaces to biological women only. This is not about discrimination; it’s about fairness, safety, and truth. Ignoring biological reality in favor of ideology harms women and girls the most. The state has a duty to protect its citizens, especially the most vulnerable, from policies that erase meaningful distinctions between male and female. Please approve this request for rulemaking and help Virginia lead the way in protecting women’s sports and spaces.

I’m a parent of a daughter who plays sports, and I want her to grow up in a state that values her safety and dignity. Women and girls should never be put in a position where they are forced to share private facilities with biological males, lose out on athletic achievements because of an unfair playing field, or worse, have their bodily privacy and safety jeopardized. These proposed regulations would be a common-sense safeguard for our children. Please stand firm and protect the rights, privacy, and athletic opportunities of young women across Virginia. 

I urge the Virginia Board of Health to approve this petition for rulemaking to limit female sports and spaces to biological women only. This is not about discrimination; it’s about fairness, safety, and truth. Ignoring biological reality in favor of ideology harms women and girls the most. The state has a duty to protect its citizens, especially the most vulnerable, from policies that erase meaningful distinctions between male and female. Please approve this request for rulemaking and help Virginia lead the way in protecting women’s sports and spaces.

I urge the Virginia Board of Health to approve this petition for rulemaking to limit female sports and spaces to biological women only. This is not about discrimination; it's about fairness, safety, and truth. 
Ignoring biological reality in favor of ideology harms women and girls the most. The state has a duty to protect its citizens, especially the most vulnerable, from the policies that erase meaningful distinctions between male and female. 
Please approve this request for rulemaking and help Virginia lead the way in protecting women's sports and spaces.

it is essential that the Virginia Board of Health to vote yes for rule making to keep female sports and spaces for biological women only.  Women/girls with female chromosomes deserve to be protected.  The biological differences between men and women mean that women/girls are at serious physical, emotional, and mental risk due to transgenderism in their sports/spaces.  Please approve this request. 

Follow the science!  Biological men (XY's) have more muscle mass than women (XX's): they also have more fast-twitch muscles, broader shoulders, more lung capacity, and their red blood cells carry more oxygen.  I could go on and on. Biological men can not be allowed to compete against biological women.  I am a 79 year old athlete who was unable to experience playing sport in either high school or university back in the 60's.  No sport was offered to girls/women at that time.  Fortunately, in 1972 Title IX passed and gave girls and women an opportunity to compete.  Now, these opportunities are in danger of being taken away.

I have competed for over 25 years in the National Senior Games and the World Senior Games, both in basketball and track.  Even at my age I have had to compete against biological men on the basketball court; this is both unfair and dangerous!!!  Many of us older women have waited 50 years to have these opportunities.  Please consider extending this petition to cover senior women who compete annually at the VA  Senior Games.

As a concerned citizen, mother of 2 daughters, and grandmother of 2 granddaughters, I respectfully request that female sports be only for biological females for their safety, emotional wellbeing, and fairness!