Chase Glenn
Chase Glenn, Executive Director of the Alliance for Full Acceptance in Charleston, delivered this testimony opposing H3477 to the South Carolina House Special Laws Committee on Tuesday, February 23, 2021.
Hello. My name is Chase Glenn and I’m the Executive Director of the Alliance For Full Acceptance— or AFFA, as we’re more informally known. AFFA is an LGBTQ advocacy organization based in Charleston, South Carolina. We’ve been around since 1998 and our focus has always been about changing hearts and minds— working to achieve full acceptance and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people.
I’m here today to share my concerns and speak in opposition to House Bill 3477. I know that there are a number of us who do not see eye to eye on this bill. But I want to start by saying that I hope we can create a space here today where people have the opportunity and freedom to change their mind. You may hear a story today or someone’s personal experience, or a particular statistic that may change your mind about this bill, its intent, and its impact on transgender youth. My hope is if you are in favor of this bill, that you will open your mind. That you will listen with open ears and an open heart to the stories we hear today.
House Bill 3477 — the so-called “Save Women Sports Act” — is unnecessary, unenforceable, and it’s dangerous. It targets transgender youth — some of the most vulnerable individuals in our communities. And the repercussions of such a bill could have disastrous implications on trans youth lives, way beyond anything that might happen on a sports team.
“Passing a bill like this will be bad for business. It’s bad for LGBTQ people. It’s bad for youth and students in general. It’s bad for our communities and schools. It’s bad for our state. Please do the right thing and vote against this bill.” – Chase Glenn
This bill is unnecessary. Transgender people do not have an inherent advantage in sports by virtue of their transition. In reality, transgender women and girls compete at levels similar to all women. No female transgender athlete has qualified for the Olympics, despite rules permitting participation that have been in place for more than a decade.
This bill is unenforceable. The process by which schools can identify and separate transgender youth – who are entitled to privacy – is not clear, making the enforceability of this legislation next to impossible.
This bill is dangerous. Transgender young people may not be “out” to their peers, teachers, or potential coach as transgender. This legislation would essentially require schools to be in the position of outing the child (or disclosing their gender identity without the child’s consent) to the coach, athletic association, teammates, and their parents.
According to research conducted by The Trevor Project - Transgender youth reported significantly increased rates of depression, suicidality, and victimization compared to their cisgender peers. In the past year, 1 in 3 transgender youth reported attempting suicide.
Bills like H3477 put a target on innocent trans youth who are just trying to live their lives and puts them at even greater risk for harm.
On top of all of this— let’s talk about the angle that often catches the attention of those who might think they should support this bill. Economic impact. Anti-LGBTQ bills like this one are bad for business. The Human Rights Campaign recently published a letter signed by over 50 national and multi-national corporations— many of whom employ South Carolinians— that stated their opposition to bills like this that target LGBTQ people.
Passing a bill like this will be bad for business.
It’s bad for LGBTQ people.
It’s bad for youth and students in general.
It’s bad for our communities and schools.
It’s bad for our state.
Please do the right thing and vote against this bill.