I am deeply disappointed with Douglas Rooks’ irresponsible Oct. 16 column, “Transgender athletes conflict must be resolved so Maine can move on,” and the Portland Press Herald’s decision to publish it.

Mr. Rooks’ focus on trans athletes as a problem to solve promotes and normalizes anti-trans bias. Did Mr. Rooks think about what it might be like for a trans high school athlete to open up the paper and read his column?

Mr. Rooks states “We must restore order in this small but important area, then refocus on the larger challenges to our democracy…” It appears that Mr. Rooks does not see the forest for the trees.

A central challenge to our democracy is the focus on scapegoating, punishing, arresting, imprisoning and deporting citizens who are seen as different or un-American. During this past year, trans individuals have increasingly been the victims of violence, discrimination and legal sanctions that restrict their full participation, not just in sports but in the larger society, including the military.

We can all agree that there are many challenges to our democracy. Trans athletes are not one of them. If Mr. Rooks is concerned about threats to our democracy, he might put less energy into promoting anti-trans rhetoric and more energy into promoting ideas about how citizens can unite toward rebuilding it.

Laura Gottfried
South Portland