Supreme Court Upholds Transgender Athlete Bans

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in the cases of West Virginia v. BPJ and Little v. Hecox. The Court found that transgender athletic bans can remain in place where those laws exist. Transgender youth participating in sports in states with protections can continue and be protected by Title IX. The court also issued its decision in Trump v. Barbara, finding that people born in the United States are citizens, regardless of immigration status. These are monumental cases for PFLAG members and supporters with school-age transgender youth, and for all people who benefit from Title IX and Fourteenth Amendment protections.

“Trans people belong, on and off the field,” said Brian K. Bond (he/him), CEO of PFLAG National. “For PFLAG families living in the many states where transgender youth are barred from participating in sports, today’s decision in B.P.J. means those bans remain in place, continuing to deny their children the opportunity to participate in sports alongside their peers. In states where the law protects them, transgender athletes can continue to be affirmed and included for who they are.”

While we celebrate the Court’s decision to uphold the Fourteenth Amendment and affirm that every person born in the United States is a citizen, we are deeply disappointed that the Court added an asterisk to allow discrimination against transgender student athletes. We have more work to do to ensure every member of our community is treated fairly. PFLAG National and our chapters are deeply committed to continuing the fight for the rights of our families, neighbors, and LGBTQ+ loved ones.”

In November 2025, transgender athletes and parents of transgender athletes who are members of PFLAG shared their stories as part of an amici curiae brief to the Court, advocating that transgender youth deserve equal protection under the law and the freedom to play, to learn, and to thrive without fear of discrimination or harm.