Today, the Nassau County Supreme Court made a decision to strike down County Executive Blakeman’s executive order that banned transgender girls and women from participating in girls’ and women’s sports at county-run facilities. The New York Civil Liberties Union expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling, deeming the policy as harmful and outdated. They condemned the County Executive’s attempt to use harmful stereotypes to target transgender women and girls for political gain.
The ruling represents a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights, sending a clear message that transphobic discrimination has no place in society. Long Island Roller Rebels, a recreational women’s flat track roller derby league in Nassau County that supports trans women, was directly impacted by the ban. The league stood firm in their belief in inclusion and fought against transphobia, leading to legal action being taken with the support of the NYCLU.
The president of Long Island Roller Rebels, Curly Fry (pronouns: they/them), emphasized the importance of allowing transgender individuals to participate in sports like everyone else. They stated that transgender individuals have the right to belong in all areas of society, including sports, and should not be subjected to erasure or discrimination. This decision serves as a reminder that marginalized communities deserve equal access and opportunities in all aspects of life.