Maine Teens Take a Stand Against Trans Athlete Policies in Girls’ Sports

Maine Teens Take a Stand Against Trans Athlete Policies in Girls’ Sports

A four-member team of student athletes from Presque Isle High School recently led a march to the Maine State Capitol in Augusta. Their mission was to advocate for legislation that bans biological males from competing in girls’ sports. This issue has ignited significant turmoil in the state’s high school athletic scene.

For three of these athletes, this marked their first experience at a political rally, a challenge they embraced with determination. They confronted pro-transgender counter-protesters outside and met with dismissive lawmakers inside.

Hailey Himes, one of the student athletes and a first-time protester, shared her feelings about the opposition. She stated that it felt intimidating to engage with individuals who did not share their beliefs, emphasizing the importance of their cause.

Motivated to protect girls’ sports, Himes encountered the issue firsthand during an English assignment on March 12. Just weeks prior, she and her peers witnessed a pivotal moment when a trans athlete captured first place in the girls’ pole vault at Greely High School, which sparked profound disappointment among the competitors.

In her own words, she expressed her frustration: “I watched this male pole vaulter stand on the podium, and we looked around, thinking, ‘We’re pretty sure that’s not a girl.’ This situation was discouraging, particularly for the girls who finished behind the winner. It galvanized me to fight for fairness.”

Joining Himes in the march were her track teammates Lucy Cheney and Carrlyn Buck, inspired by fellow athlete Cassidy Carlisle. Carlisle had previously participated in two marches in Augusta and traveled to Washington, D.C., to discuss the issue with Republican leaders.

The four girls have experienced the complexities surrounding trans athletes in their own school. A previous incident involved a biological male who had been allowed on the girls’ tennis team. Cheney recounted hearing about the situation through friends, noting that the administration sanctioned this decision, leaving them feeling powerless to effect change.

As they continued their athletic journeys, the topic remained a hot-button issue at Presque Isle High School, reigniting frustrations through the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years, with the controversy peaking when the trans athlete graduated last summer.

In the current climate, competing under the shadow of ongoing political tensions has made their situation even more pressing. Governor Janet Mills and the Democratic majority have committed to allowing trans athletes to compete in girls’ sports, which poses the risk of losing federal funding for the state’s high schools.

This decision adds another layer of anxiety for Carlisle, Himes, Cheney, Buck, and their teammates as they gear up for statewide track and field playoffs.

On Thursday, the student athletes presented their position to the legislature, facing off against politicians staunchly defending trans athlete participation. The Democratic leadership has consistently resisted the Trump administration’s executive order aimed at excluding males from women’s sports.

The four girls entered the Capitol as three Republican-backed bills were set to be discussed: LD 868, LD 233, and LD 1134. Each bill seeks to reverse the current inclusion policies, underscoring the growing division within the state.

According to Cheney, the Democratic representatives were less engaged in posing questions to those with opposing views. She observed a stark difference in the empathy shown to pro-trans speakers compared to those who shared her team’s concerns.

In a similar vein, Buck noted that interactions with lawmakers at times felt aggressive when they did pose questions. She described their inquiries as almost pestering, indicating a biased atmosphere within legislative discussions.

Nevertheless, the teens ensured their voices were heard, expressing the challenges they face as they compete against trans athletes, whose presence threatens to alter the outcomes of their seasons.

One notable example involved a trans-identifying athlete from North Yarmouth Academy who recently triumphed in the girls’ 800-meter and 1600-meter events at a significant meet, evoking national scrutiny.

Himes voiced her concerns for her teammates who would compete alongside trans athletes, stating, “For my friends, it’s disheartening to know their opportunities are diminished because they’re competing against someone with biological advantages.” She further explained that some teammates are so discouraged they hesitate to participate in mixed events.

Buck reinforced this sentiment, expressing that competing against biological males fosters a feeling of inevitability regarding the outcomes, leaving female competitors demoralized before they even begin.

Carlisle, who is well-acquainted with defeat, recounted past competitive experiences with the same trans athlete. She noted feeling uncomfortable changing in a locker room with a male back in seventh grade, when a trans student was also present.

Despite her activism, Carlisle maintains a friendship with a transgender individual and emphasizes that the issue is about fairness rather than acceptance. She clarified, “We communicate regularly and have no negative interactions. Our point of contention is the intersection of trans inclusion and fair competition.”

Carlisle has redirected her frustration not toward trans athletes but rather at Governor Mills, expressing that her leadership disregards the concerns of female athletes. Such sentiments resonate strongly, potentially influencing voting behavior in future elections.

The group of four teens is committed to returning to the state Capitol regularly, advocating for the passage of LD 868, LD 233, and LD 1134. They emphasize the need to preserve both the integrity of girls’ sports and essential federal funding for their schools.

Carlisle asserts that Governor Mills’ decision impacts all students in Maine, voicing frustration that the governor chooses to engage in polarizing battles instead of advocating for the student body’s best interests.

The Department of Justice has accused the state of violating federal anti-discrimination laws by enforcing policies that allow boys to compete in events designed for girls.

In steadfast support of trans inclusion in girls’ athletics, Governor Mills, along with the state Department of Education and the Maine Principals’ Association, cites the Maine Human Rights Act as the basis for these policies.

Some school districts have taken proactive measures to address the issue. Both MSAD No. 70 and RSU No. 24 have moved to amend their policies to prevent trans athletes from competing in girls’ sports.

The ongoing debate is expected to intensify, with public support for restricting participation in girls’ sports to biological females growing amongst Maine residents. A recent survey by the American Parents Coalition revealed significant backing for policies that prioritize biological sex in school sports.

Despite the robust public sentiment, Governor Mills stands her ground against federal pressure, demonstrating a willingness to engage in legal challenges that may arise from her administration’s decisions.

In the face of upcoming challenges, the passionate advocacy from students like Carlisle, Buck, Himes, and Cheney signifies a pivotal moment for the future of girls’ sports in Maine.