As a proud South Carolina and a transgender adult in real life, I was uncomfortable with the South Carolina legislature’s insistence on promoting a bill that would restrict transgender girls from participating in women’s sports teams in elementary and high school athletics. The bill is moving now, despite opposition from many, including SC Republican Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman.
I spoke to many young trans people and I can say with resigned confidence: this bill is dangerous. Trans youth see this as an attack on who they are, an attempt to wipe them out. The bill may be ostensibly about trans athletes, but much of the testimony in the hearings has focused on totally denying our existence.
It is clear that some lawmakers do not understand what it means to be transgender and why this bill hurts. I hope our lawmakers recognize that they have a lot to learn – and vote no.
I also hope that the many young trans people in SC understand that there is an entire movement struggling with them. I hope that all South Carolina trans and non-binary young people will hear me when I say: I know that it is invalidating to hear legislators debate about your body, your life and your existence.
But there is absolutely nothing wrong with you. I saw your colleagues raise their voices in this fight to defeat the bill. You shouldn’t be defending your basic human dignity, but you inspire me with your courage and resilience. I admire you.
No one needs to be saved from you. You are not dangerous. You deserve all the opportunities that your non-trans colleagues have. You have a large group of people who love you, support you and see you. I want you to know that we are supporting. You are not alone.
Ivy Hill
Piedmont.
The writer is executive director of Gender Benders and director of Campaign for Southern Equality’s community health program.