PFLAG to the U.S. Supreme Court: Trans Athletes Belong

WASHINGTON—Today PFLAG National, Transgender Law Center, GSA Network, and Grove Law LLP filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of transgender athletes and their parents in the cases Little v Hecox and West Virginia v BPJ.

“The Constitution does not have an asterisk to exclude transgender people from its guaranteed rights, and the Court owes it to all Americans to not add one,” said Brian K. Bond (he/him), CEO of PFLAG National. “Parents with kids understand that sports help their kids strengthen friendships, learn resilience, and develop skills that help them thrive as they grow. Those benefits include transgender kids, who are more and more being targeted for exclusion from every part of American life, including sports. Our country has been here before, and experience tells us that such discrimination is a losing cause; it’s always wrong.”

“Whether our kids are on the playing field or in the classroom, every young person deserves the freedom to belong,” said Shelby Chestnut (they/he), Executive Director at Transgender Law Center. “We know that all youth, including transgender youth, can thrive when they have opportunities to compete alongside their peers and play the sports they love. No matter our race, class, or gender, we all must show up in this fight to ensure that everyone is respected for who they are and treated with the dignity they deserve.”

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in January 2026 on two cases involving transgender athletes: Little v Hecox and West Virgina v BPJ. The Court will consider whether laws prohibiting transgender women and girls from participating on women’s athletics teams violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution or Title IX.

“Laws that categorically ban transgender women and girls from participating on athletic teams are blatantly unconstitutional,” said Dale Melchert (he/they), Senior Staff Attorney for Transgender Law Center. “No one should be denied the opportunity to play on a team simply because of who they are. Our communities have fought, and will continue to fight, against discriminatory laws and practices so that everyone has the freedom to live as their authentic selves.”

The six transgender athletes in the amicus brief share their personal stories about how sports have been an important and enriching part of their lives. As one of the athletes noted in the brief, “Regardless of level, sports save lives… We get community, a sense of agency, a chance to move our bodies and be present, do something enjoyable and just fun.”

“We want to see all athletes, regardless of their gender, discover their full potential and power both on and off the court.” said J. Gia Loving (she/her), Co-Executive Director at Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network (GSA Network). “A young person’s access to play the sports they love and build trust with their peers is fundamental to not only their development, but to their sense of self and ability to succeed. Trans youth, like any youth, play their best when valued by their teams, trusted by their coaches, and supported by their schools. Let them play and remind them that they can win.”

The Court’s decision in these cases could have far reaching implications on the civil rights of transgender people across many areas of public life.

“It is an honor and a privilege to stand in solidarity with the transgender community and advocate for their rights before the Supreme Court,” said Anthony Sbardellati (he/him), Partner at Grove Law LLP. “This amicus brief conveys the simple but vital truth that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, so they can live their authentic truth without fear of discrimination or oppression. We hold an unwavering commitment to the rule of law, and that includes an obligation to fight against discrimination in all its forms.”