“Trans People Belong in Sports”: Testimony Against HB23-1098

3/8/23

On the same day that our Fair & Family Friendly Restrooms bill, HB23-1057, was heard and passed out of the Colorado House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs committee, the committee also heard and ended in the so-called Women’s Rights in Athletics bill, HB23-1098. This defeated bill effectively proposed banning transgender athletes from participating in sports. On behalf of our entire community, we are so grateful that the committee recognized the unnecessary and cruel harm this bill would have caused, and put an end to it. 

We also thank community member Ren Dawe for providing this personal testimony that speaks to the importance of inclusive access to the committee and for sharing it with us: 

“Thank you to the chair and the committee for allowing me to testify today. 

My name is Ren Dawe, I am a trans man, an education professional, and I am an athlete. I’ve worked in the white water industry commercially and competitively for a decade.  

The competitive edge discussed in sex differences does not account for hormone replacement therapy, and is NOT based in science that accounts for trans bodies. For the record, since there seems to be some confusion: though I was not assigned male at birth, I do indeed win in “biological male” events.

I am confident the committee is aware of the psychological damage that being barred from public spaces can have. Bills like this imply that discrimination against my community is lawful and just.

Participating in sports provides access to educational and economic opportunities, not to mention avenues for self actualization. Trans people have a right to these opportunities.

If I had been impacted by a bill like this in my youth, I would not have gone on to participate in dozens of rescues, train hundreds of safety professionals, raise significant funds for our communities in charity-focused races and events, add to our state’s tourism, explore Colorado’s wilderness—Simply, I would not be the person I am today.  

In my 10 years in the industry, I have kept my community safe, and I have helped my community grow. 

I am a good man. I am a good competitor. And I am a proud Colorado transplant. 

Today, I am asking you to please not disable our youth’s ability to be in their community as effective citizens—free to pursue opportunities in athletics with the same liberty as our peers. 

Trans people belong in sports. I belong in sports.

I am tired of my rights, my body, and my profession being used as a political bargaining chip. Constituents see it, and condemn it. 

I look forward to being proud that my state stood up for me today. Please vote no on HB 1098.”