Female Athletes Speak Out on Fairness in Sports Ahead of Washington Vote

Several female athletes shared personal experiences of competing against biological males in high school sports and locker rooms at a rally in Vancouver, Washington, ahead of a critical vote on Initiative 638. The measure, which will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot, aims to prohibit biological males from participating in K-12 girls' sports.

Frances Staudt, a high school basketball player, recounted facing daily harassment after choosing not to compete against a biological male, and noted that this individual had also been in her locker room before the game. Alanna Smith, a former college sprinter, spoke of knowing she was at a disadvantage before races began due to the presence of biological males. Bailey Andersen, another basketball player, recalled a biological male's superior athleticism and the discomfort of seeing boys in the girls' locker room.

Sadie Sullivan, a high school swimmer, described the anxiety of sharing locker room space with biological males and hearing their voices. Kendall Kotzmacher, a college softball player, lost a state championship game to a team with a biological male pitcher and has faced social repercussions for speaking out on the issue.

These athletes are advocating for Initiative 638, which, if passed by voters, would make Washington the first state to enact such a policy through popular vote. Currently, 27 other states have policies separating biological males and females in K-12 sports, but these were enacted by state legislatures.

Organizers and supporters, including Jennifer Sey, founder of XX-XY Athletics, hope that a successful vote in Washington could inspire similar initiatives in other states. They argue that the issue has broad public support, citing national polls indicating an 80-20 split in favor of gender separation in sports. However, opponents of the initiative have raised concerns, with some city council members and county Democrats claiming it would require girls to undergo invasive genital inspections. Sey and others have refuted these claims, stating that such inspections are not occurring in states with similar policies.

"It's interesting that the one argument the other side has not made and has not attempted to make, is that it's perfectly fine for boys to compete against girls," said Brandi Kruse, an emcee at the rally. "They know that's a losing argument, so instead they make things up."

Staudt expressed the sentiment that passing the initiative in a state like Washington, considered a politically liberal stronghold, would demonstrate that such protections are possible nationwide. Despite facing threats and opposition, athletes like Kotzmacher remain committed to advocating for the measure, believing that fear tactics will not silence them.

The rally highlighted recent instances in Washington, including a trans track athlete winning a state title and a biological male dominating the girls' cross-country season. A report also mentioned a family requesting a Supreme Court injunction after their daughter was allegedly assaulted by a trans athlete. Proponents argue that a "yes" vote on I-638 is a vote against these developments.