As a Granite State mom, I’m heartbroken and outraged that we’ve been working to defeat yet another sports ban in our state this year. HB 1205 – which seeks to ban transgender girls from participating in girls' sports from grades 5 through 12 – goes against everything we should stand for, especially during Pride Month! The fact that we’re discussing legislation that would require girls to present birth certificates or, unbelievably, undergo genital inspections to play sports is not only absurd but deeply disturbing. Yes, you read that right: genital inspections.

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When I sat down with my 11-year-old daughter to talk about what this bill could mean for her and her friends, her mind was blown. “It’s not okay. You wouldn’t do this to adults seeking a job. If they make the team, let them play,” she said. And she’s right. As the co-director of her Manchester lacrosse team, I see the joy and growth that sports bring to our kids every day. Sports are about so much more than just physical activity—they teach our children teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, and they provide a sense of belonging and achievement that’s so important, especially during these formative years.

This bill is an attack on those values. It contradicts everything we stand for in New Hampshire, the “Live Free or Die” state, by creating a climate of exclusion and excessive scrutiny.

During Pride Month, we should be celebrating the progress we've made towards inclusivity and acceptance for all, not pushing through laws that discriminate against some of the most vulnerable members of our community. We know that playing sports helps kids do better in school, boosts their self-esteem, and improves their mental health. It teaches them to set goals, to work hard to achieve them, and to handle both success and failure with grace. Excluding transgender girls from these opportunities takes away their chance to enjoy these benefits and sends a damaging message that they don’t belong.

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We’ve been told by organizations like the Women’s Sports Foundation that the real challenges facing girls' and women’s sports are inequities in resources, pay, and media coverage, along with issues of harassment and abuse. HB 1205 is a distraction from these critical problems. Instead of supporting all girls and addressing the real threats, it targets a vulnerable group of kids who just want to be part of the team.

History has shown that laws like this often harm Black and Brown girls the most. These young athletes are frequently judged unfairly based on harmful stereotypes about femininity and appearance. Allowing schools to decide who “looks like” a girl or woman will only perpetuate these biases and further marginalize those who are already vulnerable.

As moms, we want all our kids to thrive and feel accepted. We want them to learn in environments that celebrate diversity, promote kindness, and respect everyone. The existence of HB 1205 is a shocking reminder of how far we still have to go. The idea that we might subject our children to something as invasive and inappropriate as genital inspections to play sports is not just gross—it's profoundly wrong.

During Pride Month, let’s take a stand against this kind of absurdity and discrimination. Let’s focus on creating a world where every child, no matter their gender identity, has the chance to play, grow, and succeed in an environment that is supportive and inclusive. We must speak out and ensure that New Hampshire remains a place where all our kids are valued and embraced for who they are.

Let’s celebrate Pride Month by reaffirming our commitment to love, acceptance, and equality for all. It’s time to put an end to this nonsense and work together to create a future where every child, regardless of their identity, feels proud, safe, and included - Tell Governor Sununu to veto HB 1205 NOW: (603) 271-2121