As the local chapter of a national ally group supporting the family and friends of the LBGTQ+ community, we at PFLAG Portland have been both horrified by the actions of Rep. Libby to intentionally “out” a teen athlete alleged to be transgender, and grateful to Gov. Janet Mills for refusing to back down in support of equal rights for transgender youth. Both the Maine Principals’ Association and the Maine Human Rights Act protect the ability of all of our children to participate in and benefit from high school sports. Trans youth are not a threat; policing gender is the threat.

One of many troubling aspects of these bans is how their enforcement will hurt all girls. To be enforced, someone must check all of the teammates’ genitals to confirm which sports team they should be on — a massive violation of privacy and safety. Alternately, select investigations following an accusation carries a strong risk of vigilante attacks that can target any girl — whether cis or trans — who doesn’t conform to an outdated stereotype of feminine appearance. Our cis daughters who are “too tall” or “too strong” or choose to dress “manly” can be subject to intrusive body checks if challenged by anyone who may want them off the team for any reason.

The benefits of fitness, leadership, team building and sportsmanship that high school sports provide should continue to be available to all Maine students, as our laws now allow.

Sarah McDaniel
President, PFLAG Portland Maine Chapter
New Gloucester