The Washington State Legislative LGBTQ Caucus issued the following statement Wednesday regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision upholding state bans on transgender students participating in public school and collegiate sports. 

“On the last day of Pride Month, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision that will cause pain and uncertainty for young trans people and their families across the country. While this ruling is deeply disappointing, it does not change Washington law or the protections that safeguard trans students from discrimination. Every young person deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported in their school and community. 

“To trans youth and their families in Washington: we see you, we support you, and you belong here. 

“At a time when most queer students in our country already feel unsafe in their schools and face discrimination, this decision will only bring more harm to queer students who have been villainized for simply having the bravery to be their authentic selves. This ruling emboldens other states to further discriminate against the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. 

“As the federal government and repressive red states accelerate their assault on 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, Washington state has become a sanctuary for queer people and families who want to live freely and without fear of discrimination. But we are not immune to the nationwide conservative campaign that seeks to upend decades of queer progress.  

“While this ruling will not affect our current laws, Republicans have pushed legislative proposals that would exclude trans students from participating in K-12 public school sports and subject girls specifically to invasive genital exams. We will not stop fighting to prevent this kind of harmful legislation and will continue working to ensure our state has the strongest rights and protections for queer people. Washington has a long tradition of protecting our most vulnerable residents, and we will not back down when challenged.” 

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