So many anti trans bills have been introduced this legislative session! One of them, HB 396, would allow bans on trans people from bathrooms and locker rooms. This not only affects restaurants, conference centers, ski area, etc. where trans people can go but restricts the rest of us. If my trans friend, spouse, colleague, teammate, or religious group cannot use the restroom, our group will not patronize this establishment. What group would be asking if their members are trans? If this is possible anywhere in New Hampshire, since it is up to the establishment, the whole state is questionable. Who would know where it is safe?

Furthermore, if it becomes unlawful to use restrooms, do people get arrested for doing so? Will they be put in jails that will not honor their gender identity? Where they will be attacked for it? The same holds true for sports bans like SB 375 and HB 1205. Teams from elsewhere will not want to compete or practice in NH. Even recreational leagues could be affected by a single locker room ban making the state untenable for a trip. Are not the health and lesson learned from sports important for every individual’s success in life? Clearly, anti-trans legislation creates more questions than answers. Instead of spending time making New Hampshire hostile to LGBTQ+ people, we should be working together to create a state that is inclusive and welcoming for all. Then the sign “Welcome to New Hampshire” at the border will be true.

Sara Smith

Pembroke