As the mom of a former Maine state pole vault champ, I’m incredibly grateful to see others working to protect female athletes. Both Rep. Laurel Libby of Auburn and Coach Allen Cornwall of Scarborough have bravely stood up and given a voice to those who feel unable in Maine out of fear of severe consequences for their families. Having leadership now in the arena has shed light on a topic that so many Maine families discuss in private and have strong feelings on that align in majority to the rest of the country.
I stand with friends and their children who have been directly impacted by recent trans athletes taking podiums away from females but don’t feel comfortable speaking up. Their daughters worked tirelessly five days a week (or more) and earned their rightful podium spots fair and square.
I hope others will also stand up as this is just one symptom of what I view as the existing decay in America. This issue is so much broader than what many understand. Its tentacles reach into all aspects of both public and familial life.
If you have a high-performing athlete, you likely understand their dedication and desire to win, and you know the countless hours your family has put into supporting them to get there. We should not diminish the value of using our voices to fight for truth.
It is possible to have a place for all children in athletics without trampling the rights of anyone or giving anyone an unfair advantage. All bodies, all shapes and sizes, all athletes, deserve a place in athletics, but we as adults must ensure a fair and level playing field. It is vital in preserving the integrity of female sports.
Rae Perry
Freeport