For Immediate Release: April 5, 2021
Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548
(Mon., April 5, 2021) – SisTers PGH released the following statement opposing the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, set to be introduced today by Pennsylvania lawmakers:
“We at SisTers PGH oppose the deceptively named and ill-intentioned Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, set to be introduced by a group of Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania today, Mon., April 5.
“This bill would limit transgender women and girls from playing on women's and girls’ sports teams, all because of a misguided belief that Trans women have an unfair advantage in athletics, a theory even the Scientific American has debunked.
“Not only is this belief demeaning to Trans women, but it is offensive to cisgender women as well. They are not fragile objects, just like Trans women are not aggressive super-athletes.
“This is discrimination, plain and simple, and conservatives are latching onto this issue because they see it as easily moveable. But we shall not be moved.
“We ask allies and activists to stand with Trans women everywhere. Once this bill is introduced, its supporters will have time to lobby for more support before it is eventually brought to the floor for a vote. This will be our time to speak up and out against this legislation.
“For those who live in Pennsylvania, please reach out to your state representatives and tell them to oppose this bill and others like it. Tell them to say ‘yes’ to being on the right side of history and humanity.”
SisTers PGH is a Black and Trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves people of color, trans, and nonbinary people within Southwestern Pennsylvania. www.sisterspgh.org