As a citizen of Virginia, I strongly oppose the petition to amend 12 VAC 5 in a way that would exclude transgender women from public facilities and athletic participation based on their gender identity. This proposal is not only discriminatory but is directly in conflict with the Virginia Values Act (2020), which explicitly protects individuals from discrimination based on gender identity.

The petition uses inflammatory language that dehumanizes trans individuals by referring to them as "males pretending to be females" and implies that transgender women are inherently a threat to cisgender women and girls—an assertion that is both baseless and harmful. There is no credible evidence to support the claim that the inclusion of trans women in public spaces or sports causes widespread harm; in contrast, there is substantial evidence that transgender people face disproportionate risks of violence and mental health issues due to discrimination and exclusion.

The proposal also dangerously broadens state authority to define and police gender presentation in public spaces. Such a move not only targets trans women, but will inevitably harm cisgender women who do not conform to narrow gender norms, and anyone perceived to be "noncompliant." There are already numerous cases where cis women, including lesbians and gender-nonconforming individuals, have been harassed or ejected from bathrooms for not “looking feminine enough.”

Furthermore, this proposal has public health implications in the opposite direction of what its proponents claim. Transgender individuals—especially youth—already experience high rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide due to societal rejection and lack of access to affirming spaces. Denying them access to gender-appropriate facilities and public participation worsens these outcomes.

Public health policy must be rooted in evidence, equity, and the dignity of all individuals. I urge the Board to reject this petition in full, uphold the principles of inclusion and fairness embodied in Virginia law, and affirm that the health and safety of all Virginians, including transgender people, matter.