The Board of Health has no business labeling groups of people harmful based on who they are.  While I am not aware of any evidence to suggest trans women pose any threat to cisgender women, there IS ample evidence that laws that target transgender individuals are harmful. The Trevor Project’s 2024 National Survey on the Mental Health of LGTBQ+ Young People found that 46% of transgender and nonbinary young people seriously considered committing suicide in the past year. Those who reported that their schools were gender-affirming reported fewer suicide attempts. While we have nothing to lose (and much to gain!) as a society by welcoming trans neighbors, students, and co-workers onto sport teams and into facilities, this vulnerable minority continues to suffer when groups in our society act like they don’t belong. As a woman, mother of daughters, Virginia voter, and tax payer, I ask that our leaders focus on the real problems facing women and families in Virginia and stop targeting trans people.