I oppose the proposed ED-14/BOH regulation. Here are just a few of the reasons why:
It is in no way evidence-based. Women and girls are not safer with policies like this. What's more, trans girls and women are less safe; they become targets of increased bullying and violence.
It exposes trans youth and young adults, and cisgender people (who are perceived by anyone as masculine due to their presentation), to invasive body checks to be enforced. This is a violation of their privacy, and it inflicts psychological harm on them.
This policy is not rooted in purpose. There are so few trans girls and women in schools and sports in VA. This state regulation is just an excuse to discriminate against and cause harm to trans people.
This regulation denies children safe access to the spaces and activities where they thrive and which are central to their mental health, dignity and freedom. ALL children in schools deserve to be protected and to have the chance to have a healthy, normal childhood.
A blanket rule covering anything that may be considered a sport, and all trans girls and women no matter how old, whether they've transitioned etc.,is just nonsensical and unacceptable.
