While the front page article did not misquote me, the headline (“Pembroke resident argues for eligibility requirements”) and the way a part of my testimony was interpreted in the article was entirely misleading. I am strongly opposed to this bill. I am not advocating for any particular eligibility requirements for transgender girls to participate as girls. I did say that a study committee could possibly be a useful way to amend this bill. That might allow lawmakers who still feel uncertain to hear all sides and help the NH Interscholastic athletic association decide whether a more nuanced policy is needed.

I stand by my comments that the one transgender track star in Connecticut should likely not have participated in girls track events without having suppressed testosterone production. That error in judgment on her part should not be used against other transgender girls who do not have unfair advantages and who face enormous, unjustified stigma. As I have previously laid out in a My Turn in the Monitor, the concern about transgender girls injuring other girls is false. They also do not have advantages when they are on puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones as most are. And they are not a threat in locker rooms. Legislators should find this bill inexpedient to legislate.

Jennifer Smith

Pembroke