The NH House and Senate are considering four bills to curtail the rights of transgender students. HB 1205 and SB 341 focus on excluding transgender women from sports. Trans women on rare occasion win a competition. Exceedingly rare have any set a record in the sport, meaning a non-transgender woman holds the record. In New Hampshire, non-transgender Tara Mounsey excelled playing on the Concord High boys hockey team. Think of size disparities cited as a reason to exclude. What of a young cisgender woman 6 feet tall versus one 5 feet tall or 180 pounds versus 100 pounds? The number of transgender students in sports is minor. I’d love to see more students participate in sports, no matter how they identify.

Our elected leaders should focus on improving the health and well-being of all our young. HB 1312 requires two-week advance notice prior to classroom discussion of gender identity. Schools prepare students for their future place in society and should encourage inclusion, not exclusion. SB 341 would force schools to advise parents that their child has expressed a different gender identity. Most parents are loving, caring, and understanding, but not all are. Outing a child could put the child in danger. Instead, schools should develop internal protocols for children who reveal a different gender identity. Transgender children thrive when able to live as they wish. Only the judgments and actions of others adversely impact them. Please stand for inclusion and the advancement of all students.

Raye Ellen Douville

Gilford