Who Gets to Play? The Big Debate Over Transgender Athletes

The Supreme Court is looking at two big cases that could change who can play in girls' and women's sports. The question is: Should states be able to stop transgender athletes from joining these teams? Inside the court, lawyers for transgender athletes say the bans are unfair. They argue that these rules pick on a small group of students and keep them from taking part in school sports. Outside, people on both sides of the issue were speaking up. Chelsea Mitchell, a former high school track star from Connecticut, lost four state championships to a transgender athlete. She said it was tough to race against someone she felt she couldn't beat. Selina Soule, another runner from Connecticut, also spoke out. She felt she had to stand up for herself and others when adults didn't.On the other side, supporters of transgender athletes came from all over the country. They warned that the court's decision could affect more than just sports. Lily, who traveled from New Jersey, called the cases a "Trojan horse. " Jacqueline, who transitioned as an adult and also came from New Jersey, said sports taught her important life skills and should be open to all kids. The cases come from Idaho and West Virginia, where laws limit who can play in girls' and women's sports. These laws only let athletes who were designated female at birth compete. Twenty-seven states have similar rules. Some say these laws keep competition fair. Others say they hurt transgender youth. Legal experts think the Supreme Court might side with the states. A decision is expected by the end of June. This ruling could change a lot for schools, athletes, and lawmakers everywhere.