Nicole Bates

I oppose HB1217 because it is inherently discriminatory against transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals even though it states, that "[this law] shall not constitute unlawful discrimination". TGNC individuals often face threats of violence and discrimination. Research shows that 70% of TGNC individuals have experienced discrimination regarding bathroom use including verbal abuse and threats of violence. It has also been found that cisgender people especially cis women face increased harassment and violence in instances of bathroom bans if they do not conform to traditional standards of femininity. TGNC individuals while a growing population, do not make up a large percentage of the population (less than 5% according to data from 2023) and this bill and others like it feel unnecessary to single out a minority population that is often a target of violence themselves. As a therapist I have seen the effects of individuals experiencing discrimination and the benefits of being in a supportive environment. In addition to bathroom discrimination and violence, there is also the concern about the same happening in sports, but statistics show that there is also a small portion of TGNC people participating in sports (for example, out of 500,000 athletes only 10 are transgender in the NCAA) but that media portrayals have singled out and created high profile attention on a small number of situations to create the illusion of a non-existent issue. While more research is needed, studies have been found to show that transwomen have similar testosterone and lower jump height when compared to ciswomen and the only advantage was shown in grip strength. Please do not support a bill that is discriminatory, unnecessary, and dangerous to the safety of many youth and adults in NH