As coaches, parents, current and former athletes, and those who value the positive role sports plays in our lives, we, the undersigned, pledge to support efforts to ensure that all Texas youth have equal access to sports without fear of being singled out or banned from participation because of their gender identity, or perceived gender identity. 

We know that sports instill confidence, teach respect, improve academic performance, and allow kids the opportunity to be their best selves. We understand the thrill that comes from working as a team, the perseverance we learn from practicing in the pouring rain, the skills of sportsmanship and resiliency cultivated by learning how to lose gracefully, and creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime. These are important personal and social values and should be open to all but are especially important to trans youth who are at increased risk for bullying, verbal harassment, physical harassment, and family and peer rejection.

Further targeting trans youth can exasperate the already harmful effects that erasure and marginalization have on trans youth who attend K-12 Texas schools. 94% of LGBTQ+ students in Texas reported hearing anti-LGBTQ+ remarks in schools. This includes students experiencing verbal (59%) and physical (26%) harassment due to their gender expression. This kind of hostile environment can lead to negative outcomes both personally and academically.

We oppose any bills that would codify that same inequality into sports by banning K-12 youth from participating in line with their gender identity. Any kind of categorical, across-the-board bans to exclude already-vulnerable children from important childhood activities put kids at risk of further harassment, exclusion, and bullying, while blocking them from the important benefits that youth sports is meant to offer all children.  

When it comes to protecting Texas youth, we're ready to leave it all on the field.

This pledge is open to all who believe in the equality of sports for transgender athletes, whether part of the LGBTQ+ community or not, including coaches, players, parents, and supporters. Please indicate how you would like to get involved, which can range from simply signing this statement to providing written or verbal testimony and more. It all helps.