Trans youth athletes vow to keep playing after US Supreme Court sports ruling

The US Supreme Court's conservative supermajority on Tuesday ruled that laws in West Virginia and Idaho prohibiting transgender girls from participating in women's sports teams are constitutional. The decision supports similar bans in 25 other states, but LGBTQ+ advocates say the immediate legal impact is narrow and does not create a national ban.

Transgender youth athletes have vowed to keep playing. Nereyda Hernandez, a California advocate and mother of AB Hernandez, a 17-year-old track-and-field athlete, said they will not be intimidated. AB, who recently graduated high school, said sports mean the world to her and being forced onto the boys' team would be uncomfortable for everyone. "We're just high school girls trying to have fun," she said.

Lina Haaga, a 15-year-old track athlete from Pasadena, has become a vocal proponent for trans girls' rights. Despite facing harassment after winning a race, she said she will continue pursuing athletics. "Sports have meant a lot in terms of finding community," Lina said. "We need to stay strong and continue fighting."

The ruling stems from two cases: Little v Hecox, involving Idaho's ban, and West Virginia v BPJ, brought by 15-year-old trans girl Becky Pepper-Jackson. Becky said the law is part of a plan to push transgender people out of public life.

Lily Norcross, a 17-year-old track athlete from California's Central Coast, fears the ruling's ripple effects, including potential increases in hate crimes. Still, she said she will not back down. Her father, Trevor Norcross, described the situation as devastating for parents.

Advocates warn that bans could lead to invasive sex-testing and privacy violations for all girls. The New York Civil Liberties Union said the ruling does not affect protections in New York but will embolden transphobic policies. Several Democratic officials, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, criticized the decision and reaffirmed support for transgender youth.

Abigail Jones, a trans athlete from Riverside, California, emphasized that sports can be life-saving for trans people. "It does usually grant people subject to a lot of discrimination and hatred a team and community," she said.