FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2026
CONTACT
K Richardson, Communications Manager, [email protected]
NATIONAL – Today, as the Supreme Court hears oral arguments on the rights of transgender people to participate in sports, the Transgender Law Center joins thousands of families, coaches, advocates, and allies across the country to support the freedom for transgender athletes to play the sports they love. The ruling in this case would extend far beyond athletics, with the potential to restrict trans people from engaging in public life altogether.
“This is not just a legal moment. It is a moral one,” said Shelby Chestnut (they/he), Executive Director. “Today, our communities are reminding the court that trans athletes are not abstract legal questions; they are young people who want the freedom to play, who deserve to belong, and who want to be cheered on by their families without fear. Our fight today demonstrates our communities’ commitment to fight for the right of every person to thrive as their authentic selves, no matter who they are.”
The Supreme Court is hearing arguments for Little v Hecox and West Virginia v BPJ, two cases involving transgender athletes. These cases call into question the constitutionality of laws that categorically exclude transgender women and girls from participating on women’s athletics teams.
“The state laws in front of the Supreme Court today are clear violations of our Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause,” said Lynly Egyes (she/her), Legal Director. “We will continue to show up today and every day to ensure that regardless of someone’s race, ability, class, or gender, every person can move through their community without fear of discrimination or exclusion.”
To center the experiences of trans athletes, TLC filed an amicus brief and worked with Gutsy Media to launch an ad campaign in Colorado and Missouri. The Play to Win campaign amplifies that together, our communities can make this country a place where all young people are respected and can pursue their dreams, both on and off the field.
The Supreme Court’s decision, which is expected later this year, could shape the future of civil rights protections for transgender people.
“We don’t need to wait for a court ruling to know what’s right,” said Mariah Moore (she/her), Director of Policy & Programs. “That’s why in DC and in cities across the country, people of all backgrounds are holding activations to fight for the safety, dignity, and belonging that trans people deserve. No matter the court’s decision, our community will always come together in our collective power to keep building the future we dream of.”
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