OPINION:
Riley Gaines, former collegiate championship swimmer, recently testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding “transgender female” participation in women’s sports.
She spoke about the invasion of privacy of female athletes, who have their bodies exposed to males in locker rooms and are made uncomfortable by seeing male genitalia while changing. Furthermore, she spoke of the unfairness of males getting to compete in women’s sports.
This is all made very clear when transgender athletes who would not even place in men’s competitions dominate when participating in women’s competitions. Ms. Gaines also spoke of the physical danger to biological women in such contests.
In response to Ms. Gaines’ testimony, Sen. Richard Durbin said that it is the transgender females who are in danger. He claimed that they are among the most at risk for homelessness, depression and suicide.
His assertions are highly questionable when there are states and municipalities seeking to wrench youth from their homes and families if parents are not readily accepting of purported transgenderism.
Also, teachers, school administrators and medical personnel often suggest to parents that not supporting the change, physical or mental, could lead to youth suicide. Yet there are youth who embrace transgenderism and remain depressed to the point of suicide.
Mr. Durbin also said transgender youth are struggling and indicated that spewing hateful rhetoric that denies their very existence sends the wrong message. However, Ms. Gaines’ statements were the truth, not hateful rhetoric.
She did not deny these people’s existence, but rather their unfortunate fantasy, which is widely supported and indulged to the serious detriment of all. She expressed concern about the infringement on female athletes’ rights.
HESSIE L. HARRIS
Silver Spring, Maryland
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