An onslaught of anti-trans bills has barreled toward the Maine Legislature.

Anti-trans rhetoric is couched in the language of “protecting women and girls” and ensuring “fairness” in sports. The reality is that we protect Maine kids by protecting all Maine kids: cisgender and trans, athletic and artistic, tall and short, and coordinated and chaotic.

I was a queer Maine kid. A competitive athlete in high school and a Division I skier in college. Through sports, I learned teamwork, perseverance, hard work and discipline. I had to stuff down questions about gender identity, because there was no space to achieve excellence as a female athlete while questioning whether or not “woman” even fit me. Looking back, I realize though I felt alone I wasn’t.

Now I’m a queer, nonbinary Maine adult. I serve as the pastor of Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church, where I focus on equipping others to live as their full, authentic selves in this world. My faith teaches that unless we all thrive, none of us thrives. If these bills pass, all kids of all genders will live and play under the looming threat of getting their DNA tested and genitals checked. Is that what fairness and thriving for Maine kids looks like?

We have the opportunity to say “No.” Let’s not waste it.

Rev. Tara Humphries
Portland