I read James Doyle's editorial “The Children Caught in the Crossfire of Our Culture Wars.”
I agree that all children deserve compassion and respect, and no student should face harassment, intimidation, or humiliation over adults' disagreements about school sports policies.
Throughout the editorial, the transgender athlete is repeatedly called a boy or biological male, while cisgender athletes are called girls or females. Using terms like transgender girl, student, or athlete and cisgender girl, student, or athlete would be a more respectful way to discuss all the students involved.
We can have thoughtful conversations about athletic policies without making assumptions about a child's identity or personal experiences.
Regarding fairness, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has had policies allowing transgender students to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity since 2007.
If a transgender athlete meets WIAA's eligibility requirements, they're competing fairly under the established rules. We can disagree with those rules without placing blame on a student who followed them.
These students didn't create the eligibility policies, and they shouldn't be held responsible for resolving adults' disagreements about them.
While biological differences can influence athletic performance, WIAA recognizes that competitive advantages come from many factors. Athletes naturally differ in their abilities and opportunities, regardless of whether they're transgender or cisgender.
I can have compassion for cisgender athletes who feel disappointed or believe the competition was unfair while also recognizing that the transgender athlete deserves the same opportunities for participation, support, and belonging.
School sports are about more than winning. They also provide opportunities for teamwork, personal growth, confidence, and connection.
I recognize that we may have different understandings of gender and biology, influenced by our familiarity with scientific research and our personal or religious beliefs. I don't have all the answers, but I'm willing to have thoughtful conversations with people who see things differently, approaching those conversations with curiosity, compassion, and mutual respect.
We don't have to agree on every policy to agree that EVERYONE deserves dignity, safety, and a sense of belonging in our community, especially our children.
Jessica Cole
Battle Ground, WA
