I live in Richmond City and I oppose Action 4905.

The Board of Health has no business labeling groups of people harmful based on who they are. 

As a public health professional and health educator, I see real public health issues facing women and girls in Virginia, like domestic violence, maternal health, and poverty. Trans individuals are not a threat to health and safety of anyone. 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. 

I grew up in southwest Virginia and found my home in school sports. I played year round in track and field, softball, and lacrosse during my time in middle and high school. I also played in recreational leagues as well from elementary to early high school. School sports taught me important values of community, team work, and respect. No child should be barred from being able to participate in sports because of transphobic beliefs.

Further children’s safety should not be put in jeopardy through discriminatory bathroom and locker room measures. Trans youth are at higher risk for bullying and violence than their cisgender peer. Forcing trans youth to use locker rooms and bathrooms that do not correspond to their gender identity is not only wrong, it is dangerous to those youth. This bill does not protect the health of Virginians instead it puts children in greater danger in spaces (schools) where they are supposed to be safe!

This proposed regulation has nothing to do with the health of Virginians and everything to do with discrimination. No one should face discrimination because of who they are. Trans people have always been here, and always will be.