For many young people, school sports instill important life lessons of leadership, confidence, sportsmanship and perseverance, in addition to what it means to be part of a team. These lessons are important parts of education that transcend the classroom and should be open to all students, no matter who they are. 

Yet for transgender kids in New Hampshire, these educational experiences are at risk as lawmakers joined at least 26 other states across the country in banning transgender girls from participating in school sports. That law, HB 1205, robs them of the joy and community that is central to public education — and that each student wants, needs and deserves.

Fortunately, two brave New Hampshire teens, supported by their parents, are standing up against this harmful policy. The organization I lead, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law), is proud to represent Parker Tirrell and Iris Turmelle as they challenge HB 1205 in court on the grounds that it clearly discriminates against transgender teens and denies them equal educational opportunities. 

Parker and Iris are both early in their high school careers, eager to continue playing sports they’re passionate about and explore new ones as well. If it stands, HB 1205 would prevent them from accessing the same experiences and opportunities as their peers while also exacerbating feelings of not belonging during an already challenging time of life.

Parker and Iris’ stories are powerful reminders that ordinary people can make change when we bravely speak truth to power, as well as how crucial our judicial system is in protecting our equality and fundamental freedoms.

Parker’s real passion in life is soccer —­ it’s where she’s made many of her closest friends and has allowed her to build confidence while participating in a positive peer group. Being part of the girls’ soccer team during her freshman year was the cornerstone of her high school experience, both on and off the field. If she’s prevented from playing soccer, Parker would be isolated from not only her core friend group and support system but also the very thing that gives her joy and exhilaration in life.

When Iris began her freshman year this fall, she was already looking forward to participating in both tennis and track and field at her new school. Because her high school takes students from a number of area middle schools, Iris saw these sports as an opportunity to meet new people and find different social spaces within her new school. As someone who experienced bullying in previous years, participating in these teams will provide Iris with the opportunity to develop supportive, inclusive relationships with her new peers.

Fortunately, Parker and Iris’s fight against discrimination was bolstered last month by a district court ruling that blocks the state’s ban and allows them to continue playing the sports they love while the case continues. I was struck by Parker’s words upon learning of the ruling, and what this unjust law would take away if enacted. She said, “I just want to go to school like other kids, play the game I love, and hang out with my friends. I’m really happy this decision means I don’t have to let my team down for the rest of the season.” 

In the almost 50 years that GLAD Law has stood in court to fight discrimination and protect LGBTQ+ rights, we’ve seen time and again how sharing the stories of real people behind court cases makes a powerful impact by shifting the cultural conversation, changing hearts and minds, and eventually improving the law. As threats to the rights of transgender people are mounting nationwide, the more people understand that Parker and Iris are regular kids who just want to play sports with their friends, the closer we will get to our vision of a world where everyone, no matter who they are, can know that they belong and have the opportunity and the ability to thrive.

More: glad.org

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