As the research-based nonprofit The Conversation explains, “sex” typically refers to bodily organs or attributes assigned at birth that are used to “refer to a binary of being either female or male.” On the other hand, “gender” is how sexes are typically thought of (social roles and behaviors) - gender is ideas, rather than something physical. It’s important to note the difference between “sex” and “gender,” which are generally not intended to be used interchangeably.
In March, Florida passed its House Bill 1557, referred to as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which not only prevents teachers from discussing LGBTQ+ issues in classrooms, but allows parents/guardians to sue teachers and/or schools who discuss these topics. Greg Abbott previously directed the state’s Department of Family and Protect Services to investigate parents who help their kids get gender-affirming care. Several other actions unrelated to sports are also happening nationwide. States that ban transgender athletes from playing on teams corresponding with their gender identities are: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and West Virginia. The act requires K-12 schools to assign sports teams based on biological sex assigned at birth.
Earlier this week, Louisiana’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act became law, despite opposition and lack of signature by Democratic Gov. Nationally, at least 18 states have enacted laws banning or limiting transgender athlete participation in sports, The New York Times reports. “I think that if this bill were to come to fruition, and I pray it won’t, I fear that we’re going to have a lot of young people who are going to carry the trauma of this for generations.” “With social media and everything else, now you’re putting institutional bullying on top of it,” said Turan. “This bill is not based on any scientific or empirical evidence, it is based on bigotry and hatred,” said Rebecca Callahan, the organization’s executive director. “You don’t prove gender by doing a blood test or by doing a physical exam.”Īkron-based CANAPI, an LGBTQ resources organization, called the bill a “tragic example of both a denial and loss of human rights” in a statement. “These are not normal exams,” said OhioHealth OB/GYN Dr. Ready-to-eat salads recalled over listeria concerns The bill states participants deprived of athletic opportunity or “suffers direct or indirect harm” as a result of a violation can sue for damages against the school, school district or interscholastic conference or organization. “However, this bill is harming every child in Ohio, and I want to make sure everyone is aware of that.” “According to the Ohio High School Athletic Association, there is one child who is playing high school sports in Ohio that is a transgender student,” said Rep. State Representative Beth Liston called the bill part of an extremist agenda. Under the bill, if an athlete’s birth-assigned sex is disputed, they would be required to establish their sex by presenting a signed doctor’s statement indicating sex based on an internal and external reproductive anatomy exam, testosterone levels, and analysis of the child’s “genetic makeup.” “Unfortunately, Ohio has elected officials who are fomenting and recycling a lot of harmful narratives that are coming from hate groups and other anti-LGBTQ lobbies,” said Turan. “We stand to protect all children from child sexual abuse … as state-sanctioned child sexual abuse, which we believe this particular piece of legislation is,” said Democrat Representative Jessica Miranda.Įliana Turan, a board member at the LGBTQ Community Center of Greater Cleveland, said the bill was not based on any data and called it dangerous and scary for all Ohio youth. The bill passed the Republican-controlled Ohio House last week. Bringing kids to drag shows could become a felony in Florida