Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Virginia Department of Health
 
Board
State Board of Health
 
chapter
[12 VAC 5 ‑ ]
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5/7/25  11:22 am
Commenter: Anonymous

Girls/Women sports are for Girls/Women Only!
 

The inclusion of biological males in women’s sports raises serious concerns about fairness and safety. As the mother of petite daughters who participate in competitive athletics, I worry that allowing individuals with male physiology to compete against them could not only diminish their opportunities but also put them at risk of injury.

Biological differences between males and females—especially post-puberty—are well-documented in scientific literature. Males, on average, have greater muscle mass, higher bone density, and increased cardiovascular capacity. These advantages do not fully reverse even after hormone therapy. This reality has been reflected in high-profile cases, such as Lia Thomas, a male swimmer who went from a middling rank in the men’s division to becoming a top performer in the women’s.

Women’s sports were created to provide females with a level playing field, where their hard work and talent could be rewarded fairly. If we allow individuals who have gone through male puberty to compete in these categories, we risk undoing decades of progress made under Title IX, which was designed to ensure equal athletic opportunities for women.

This is not about exclusion or intolerance—it’s about maintaining fair and safe competition and protecting opportunities for female athletes.

CommentID: 234640