I live in York County Virginia, and I strongly oppose Petition 432.

This petition is not about public health—it is about discrimination. As a mental health professional, I know firsthand how damaging it can be when people are stigmatized or excluded based on their identity. Labeling transgender women as a "public health threat" is not only medically unfounded, but also deeply harmful to the well-being of trans individuals across Virginia.

Instead of targeting a vulnerable community, we should focus on real health challenges affecting women and girls in our state—such as access to mental health care, maternal health outcomes, abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, and the impact of poverty. Transgender people, like everyone else, deserve safety, dignity, and the freedom to participate fully in public life without fear or shame.

There is no public health justification for this petition. It is rooted in fear, not facts. I urge the Board of Health to reject this discriminatory effort and continue focusing on policies that promote health and equity for all Virginians.

Thank you for your time and commitment to public equality.