I live in Charlottesville, VA and I officiate roller derby for over 14 years.  I have many trans friends who play and officiate the sport, and I strongly oppose this Petition.  Trans athletes belong in sports and in all places according to the gender to which they identify.  It is not the role of the Department of Health to designate them as harmful and thus ban them from a sport.  There are many issues facing women athletes that are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health, but trans women athletes is not among them.  This is a hate-filled conspiracy theory with no health based evidence that would lead to a dangerous precedent with even more dangerous policing that would harm all women athletes, degrading our humanity and our physical and mental health.  I urge you to reject this Petition and call it out for the hate it is.

I have watched as my leaguemates and others athletes around the Commonwealth have transitioned or blossom in their confidence as they have participated in women’s flat track roller derby and the inclusive community it promotes.  I have seen their physical and mental health improve as they embrace their bodies, the camaraderie of a team, and the athleticism that comes with diligent practice and gameplay at all levels.  I have not experienced in my role as an official or as a leaguemate any inequity between cis and trans women and non-binary athletes on the track.  In fact, the discussions of bodies in roller derby, a more inclusive sport than I have ever participated in before of all body types and shapes, have promoted better health and understanding of healthy bodies for women as we participate in sport and age in sport.  This includes cis and transgender women and non-binary folks in the sport.

I am very concerned for all women in sports should this Petition be granted.  This is a fear-mongering campaign, not a health based campaign, and granting this Petition would open the door to replace health and science based rulings with political and societal opinions that make us all less healthy.  The role of this body is to reject fear-mongering and promote ways for all Virginians to achieve the most healthy lives we can.  Please reject this Petition.