1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern over the recent efforts to exclude transgender athletes from participating in sports, particularly in light of the actions taken by Riley Gaines and the Trump administration. As your constituent, I urge you to stand firm in protecting the rights of all athletes, regardless of their gender identity. The controversy surrounding transgender athletes, exemplified by the tie between Riley Gaines and Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA championships, has been weaponized to undermine the broader trans rights movement. This is not just about sports; it's a calculated attempt to roll back hard-won protections for the transgender community. It's crucial to recognize that these efforts go beyond fair competition. As reported, Gaines herself has stated that her goal is to make the "gender ideology movement" crumble, leading to restrictions on gender-affirming care and decreased acceptance of trans people. This admission reveals the true nature of this campaign: a Trojan horse designed to erode trans rights across the board. The Trump administration's recent actions to withhold funding from states and schools with trans-inclusive policies are particularly alarming. These measures don't just affect elite athletes; they impact children who simply want to play sports with their peers. Denying young people this opportunity for social integration and physical activity can have severe consequences for their mental health and overall well-being. I implore you to take a stand against these discriminatory policies. Support legislation that ensures trans athletes can participate in sports aligned with their gender identity. Advocate for inclusive policies in our schools and sports organizations. By doing so, you'll be protecting not just the right to play sports, but the fundamental human rights and dignity of transgender individuals in our community. The stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction are severe. Please use your position to champion equality and inclusion in sports for all athletes, regardless of gender identity. Our community's values of fairness and equal opportunity depend on your leadership in this critical moment.