I live in Loudoun County and I oppose action 4905.

At a time when Virginia faces real public health challenges like rising maternal health disparities, gaps in mental-health access, domestic and sexual violence, and persistent economic barriers for families, this petition does nothing to address any of them. It distracts from the Board’s core responsibility: protecting the health and well-being of all people in the Commonwealth.

Across our races, backgrounds, and genders, we all deserve to be treated fairly. The nationwide campaign to push transgender people out of public life harms everyone, not just the trans community. Policies rooted in fear and exclusion fuel discrimination, undermine trust in public institutions, and divert attention from actual health needs.

I’ve seen firsthand how much damage discriminatory policies can inflict. Trans students and adults already navigate daily risks likee bullying, harassment, denial of care, and social isolation. Singling them out in state regulation will only increase that harm. It will not make anyone safer. It will, however, make it harder for a vulnerable group to participate in school, community life, and basic public activities without fear.

This proposal has nothing to do with health. It is about discrimination, plain and simple. Transgender Virginians have always been part of our communities. They will continue to be part of our communities. No regulation can erase them, and no ethical health policy should attempt to.

I urge the Board to reject Action 4905 and reaffirm its commitment to improving health outcomes for every person in Virginia.