1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

Representative- I am writing to strongly encourage you to uphold the human rights of transgender and gender nonconforming people in Massachusetts by opposing any legislation threatening their participation in sports. The transgender community is not a threat to anyone, and are predominantly targeted as a marginalized group by bigots. As a clinical mental health counselor working with LGBTQ youth, I have seen first hand how important it is for transgender people to be included and welcomed within group activities and supported in their passions. To violate the basic human rights of play, community involvement and cooperation provided by team sports is a threat to the mental health of an already vulnerable group and will surely increase the existing stressors on an at-risk community. I am urging you to openly reject the oppressive and exclusionary tactics of far-right fear-mongers pushing legislation that limits the civil rights of transgender people. I look forward to seeing you stand for social justice and the wellbeing of community.