Jillian Leigh

Please oppose SB459. Given the very small number of NH children (literally a handful) who are transgender and identify as such and wish to play school sports on a school team that corresponds to their gender identity, this bill is completely unnecessary, as decisions regarding locker rooms and showers can certainly be dealt with on an individual basis. School age children inherently understand their gender, which can occasionally be different from that assigned at birth. Children who are insistent, persistent and consistent over time regarding their gender identity must be believed and supported, and not doing so can be very harmful to these children, often leading to suicide. Science understands and has proven that transgender and/or intersex children exist. There is no good reason to discriminate against these kids, and SB459 would do exactly that. Jillian Leigh Hampton Falls