Our Opinion Transgender’s battle for equal rights continue

Texas House Republicans introduced HB 23 in late February; a bill that would work to restrict participation in athletic-related activities based on biological sex. The act titled Save Women’s Sports Act would go into efect Sept. 1 if passed. It aims to amend the Texas Education Code to make students participate in athletics based on biological sex, barring the participation of students in the sports of opposite sex. It would apply to those who participate against public schools, including charter and private schools.

The code only accepts gender listed on birth certifcates at the time of a student’s birth or changes due to clerical errors. The amended code only allows for the stated biological sex to participate with the opposite sex if that sport is not ofered for women. It would afect K-12 and students of higher education if passed.

This is just another in the long, ever-expanding line of oppressive and regressive bills pushed by the Republican Party that continues to write legislation cutting LGBTQ+ rights. Passing laws and making changes like these will not positively impact society but will further alienate LGBTQ+ athletes from spaces they feel comfortable. We are regressing instead of moving forward as a state and country. Transgender men and women athletes should be treated fairly and with the same dignity as other athletes, they work just as hard if not harder to be recognized in their sports.

As students who do their best in and out of the classroom it’s hard to stand by and watch others be pushed to the side for simply being their true self, something many - if not - all struggle to do.

Texas is a vastly diferent place in the year 2023. With the changes in the world around us, it is time to evaluate what kind of policies and rules we have put in place for the transgender community. They are people who deserve the same rights as everyone else, but the Republican Party continues to prove that though we are not necessarily separate, we for sure are not equals in this state and country.

The Texas government has been staunched in their LGBTQ+ views for many years, and the bills and legislation against the community continue to be written. Athletes are athletes no matter the circumstance and to restrict them without a clear solution is an attack on a community whose equality has been stepped on for far too long.