GLSEN Responds to the House Passing Federal Trans Athlete Sports Ban

GLSEN Responds to the House of Representatives Passing Federal Trans And Intersex Athlete Sports Ban

Today, after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 734, a bill that would ban transgender girls from playing school sports with their peers on girls’ teams, GLSEN Executive Director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers (they/she) released the following statement:

“Federal legislation that would prevent trans and intersex students, who are the most vulnerable youth in our country, from participating in sports is discriminatory and harmful, and these politicians are using vulnerable students as political pawns. The language of radical right wing fanatics must not be allowed to infiltrate federal policy and help advance the national effort to ban transgender and nonbinary young people from our schools and reinforces false narratives and unfounded and harmful claims about trans athletes. When LGBTQ+ students are able to play sports and are accepted as classmates, teammates, and competitors, they gain access to the same physical, social, and emotional benefits extended to all who participate in sports and those who support these discriminatory measures know it. When trans athletes are seen they are accepted and that is what this bill and all other discriminatory measures are seeking to deny. Denying trans girls this opportunity, whether through legislation or rogue members of the judicial system, is cruel and does nothing to address the actually existing gender disparities in school sports, like second-class funding and equipment for girls’ teams compared to boys. We must rise up to fight for inclusive athletic programs in schools and legislation that protects trans and intersex student athletes from being ostracized. Let us agree that we must allow all youth — including trans young people — to participate in all aspects of school life”

GLSEN’s Plan for Inclusive K-12 Physical Education and Athletic Programs

Allowing Students to Participate in Teams Consistent with Their Gender Identity

Whether in physical education class or in competitive sports, all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, should be able to play and feel like they belong.

Providing Inclusive Physical Education

A large proportion of LGBTQ+, transgender, and nonbinary students are missing out on a critical aspect of their education because they feel unsafe or uncomfortable in their physical education or gym classes. P.E. teachers can play a critical role in supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ students in their classes. Administrators should provide training and resources for their athletics and physical education staff members to help them create safe, inclusive, and LGBTQ+ affirming classrooms.

LGBTQ+ Training for Coaching Staff and Volunteers

LGBTQ+ inclusive training should be available for all coaching staff and volunteers throughout the year to ensure they have the tools and resources to create safe, inclusive, respectful teams and athletic programs.

Building a Safe and Inclusive Team Culture

LGBTQ+ students should experience a safe and welcoming team culture. This means there is no place for anti-LGBTQ+ language, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, or assault.

Providing Inclusive Uniform Options

Uniform options that make all students feel safe and comfortable should be available. Team uniforms should be made to accommodate the comfort of all team members while still following the rules of the local or state athletic association to avoid disqualification.

Providing Inclusive Facilities

All schools should have gender-inclusive facilities that provide physical and emotional safety for students.

Address Existing Gender Disparities between Girls' and Boys’ School Sports

Girls and women, including those who are LGBTQI+, have fewer total opportunities to play, relative to boys, and girls school sports teams receive less funding and lower quality equipment and facilities than boys’ teams. LGBTQ+ inclusive school sports participation demands that we address these existing disparities.

About GLSEN

GLSEN is a multi-racial, intergenerational LGBTQ+ organization working nationally and locally to transform K-12 educational systems in the United States. Each year, GLSEN programs and resources reach millions of students and educators in K-12 schools, via action at the national, state, and local level. Since 1990, GLSEN has improved conditions for LGBTQ+ students across the United States and helped launch an international movement to address LGBTQ+ issues in education.