March 14th, 2025
The Honorable Christopher M. Ward
Chair, Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, & Tourism
1020 N Street, Suite 152
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Opposition to Assembly Bill 89 (Sanchez)
Dear Chair,
LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment (LIVE) respectfully opposes Assembly Bill 89 (Sanchez), a bill that would ban trans woman from competing in interscholastic sports team. This bill discriminates against and exposes the trans and cis-gendered community to inhumane and unfair treatment.
LIVE is a program of changemakers, that celebrates LGBTQ+ diversity and creates a more inclusive world where LGBTQ+ community members can live authentically. LIVE creates positive change by uplifting and empowering individuals to bolster their voices in policy, stigma reduction and unifying community. LIVE is committed to advocating for the health, wellness, and rights of the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that all individuals can thrive without facing discrimination or barriers to their livelihood.
Assembly Bill 89 (Sanchez) poses an existential threat to the transgender community by denying their participation in sports. This bill not only prevents transgender individuals from participating but also deprives them of the benefits that come from sports involvement, such as developing leadership skills, team-building, improved academic outcomes, and a sense of community.
In addition, this bill poses many concerns around implementation. According to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC)[1], a trans ban could potentially force the trans and cisgendered youth to undergo invasive, traumatic, expensive, and age-inappropriate testing to examine internal or external genitalia. This could include but is not limited to DNA testing, bloodwork for hormone levels, and other unscientific tests for gender. Anyone accused or stereotyped could also be subjected to testing and or be forced to relay sensitive and protected health information. Furthermore, testing alone would subject individuals to potential harassment or bullying regardless of the outcomes of testing.
Participation in school sports offers numerous academic, social, physical, mental, and behavioral benefits. Transgender youth should not be excluded from these opportunities, which are critical for their development and well-being. It is for those reasons that LIVE must oppose Assembly Bill 89 (Sanchez) and ask for your “no” vote. If you have any questions, or if LIVE can provide assistance on this bill or any other legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at agaribaymena@mhac.org or our Public Policy Coordinator, Danny Thirakul, at dthirakul@mhac.org.
In Community,
Anthony Garibay-Mena
LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, Visibility, and Empowerment
Program Manager