This story is part of Let Them Play, a collection of articles about trans kids and youth sports.
See the full packagehere.
On a warm October day in 2019, Rebekah Bruesehoff sprinted across a large field in New Jersey.
Lia Clay Miller. Prop styling by Gozde Eker. Hair by Yu Nakata at 87 artists.
She was gripping a yellow-and-black field hockey stick, ready to strike the ball in front of her.
I am a midfielder.
So Im sort of in the middle of it all, which is super fun.
Its exciting, its fast, and were all working toward a common goal.
And we win together, we lose together, Bruesehoff recently told SELF.
Now 16 years old, Bruesehoff is living as her authentic self.
When Im on the field, nobody cares that Im trans.
Im really just like any other player.
Conservative lawmakers are also targeting trans youth, particularly trans girls, at a national level.
So it is vital thatallkids are welcomed and accommodated, she tells SELF.
Trying a sport is often a fun way for kids to stay active.
Sports can make exercise feel exciting, and thats crucial during kids formative years.
All young people deserve to experience the bodywide benefits of heart-pumping movement.
Sports can be an emotional lifeline for many young folks too.
For many people, sports are solace when life gets dark.
Meaning, it helps you find your people.
Sport was my safe place, Mosier says.
I could be myself.
Playing on a team fosters connection and community.
And youre developing these really strong relationships and a sense of belonging and community.
The fact that I happen to be transgender doesnt matter at all, he said.
What does matter is that Im playing my hardest and working with my team.
Exclusionary practices in sports harmallkids, not just trans youth.
These types of invasive procedures have along and sordid history.
By 1966, sports officials had implemented a mandatory genital check of every woman competing in the international games.
In Utah, a similar policing of female athletes happened in 2022.
Lawmakers singling out trans people, particularly kids, is wrong.
Sports should be open to all youth.
Trans kids deserve to live healthy, active lives and feel safe, supported, and validated.
They are justkidswho want to play with their friends, Dr. Meyer stresses.
Thats all it is.
