I live in Albemarle County and I oppose Petition 432.

This petition is not about locker rooms. The Board of Health has no business labeling groups of people harmful based on who they are. 

There are real public health issues facing women and girls in Virginia, like domestic violence, gun violence, maternal health, and poverty. Don’t let this hateful petition distract from your important mission to protect the health and promote the well-being of ALL people in Virginia.

Across our races, backgrounds, and genders, we all deserve to be treated fairly. There is a nationwide effort by some politicians and interest groups to force transgender people and LGBTQ+ people out of public life. These political attacks harm us all, whether we’re gay or straight, transgender or not, because they foster discrimination and distract us from the real problems we face. 

I am fortunate to know several trans people.  They have been serious people, in many cases finally realizing what exactly they have been struggling with throughout life.  None of the trans people I know have a propensity for violent behavior.  They do not proselytize in any way, shape or form, and they do not see children as sexual targets.  They are generally happy with their lives as trans people when left in peace.  They have ethics similar to mainstream America.  The ones I know have been honest, hardworking, kind, good humored and generous with their help. 

I fear what may happen if this petition is acted upon.  I Fear adoption of this petition will further endanger the lives and well-being of trans people AND those perceived as trans.

This petition has nothing to do with the health of Virginians and everything to do with discrimination. 

No one should face discrimination because of who they are. Transgender people have always been here, and always will be. Transgender people cannot and will not be erased.