A Better Understanding of Transgender in Sports

I don’t usually get discuss political issues in my Blurb. I’m making an exception to share with you what Utah Governor Spencer Cox wrote when he vetoed a bill that would prohibit transgender students from taking part in high school sports.

I thought what he said was quite touching.

“I must admit, I am not an expert on transgenderism. I struggle to understand so much of it and the science is conflicting. When in doubt however, I always try to err on the side of kindness, mercy and compassion. I also try to get proximate, and I am learning so much from our transgender community. They are great kids who face enormous struggles. Here are the numbers that have most impacted my decision: 75,000, 4, 1, 86 and 56.

• 75,000 high school kids participating in high school sports in Utah.

• 4 transgender kids playing high school sports in Utah. 

• 1 transgender student playing girls sports. 

• 86% of trans youth reporting suicidality. 

• 56% of trans youth having attempted suicide

Four kids and only one of them playing girls sports. That’s what all of this is about. Four kids who aren’t dominating or winning trophies or taking scholarships. Four kids who are just trying to find some friends and feel like they are a part of something. Four kids trying to get through each day. Rarely has so much fear and anger been directed at so few. I don’t understand what they are going through or why they feel the way they do. But I want them to live. And all the research shows that even a little acceptance and connection can reduce suicidality significantly.

For that reason, as much as any other, I have taken this action in the hope that we can continue to work together and find a better way. If a veto override occurs, I hope we can work to find ways to show these four kids that we love them and they have a place in our state.”

Note: the legislature overrode his veto.

So…all the gnashing of teeth in many state governments is about just a few kids who are attempting to identify who they are. As the Governor said, maybe we should be helping them as opposed to demonizing them.