2021 Adopted Resolutions

The Right of Transgender Youth To Participate on Sports Teams That Align with Their Gender Identity

Resolution Number: 38

WHEREAS, all young people benefit from access to physical exercise and the ability to participate on sports teams; and

WHEREAS, research demonstrates that there is a direct correlation between increased physical activity and decreased childhood obesity rates; and

WHEREAS, mayors understand playing in a team helps children to develop many of the social skills they will need for life. It teaches them to cooperate, to be considerate, and to listen to other children. After a year of social distancing and the COVID 19 pandemic, team sports give children a sense of belonging. It helps them make new friendships and builds their social circle outside school. Sport participation fosters healthy relationships with peers and coach-mentors; and

WHEREAS, physical activity has been shown to stimulate chemicals in the brain that make people feel better. When we exclude youth from participation, we limit their opportunity to develop better ways to cope with the highs and lows of life. Playing sports helps children learn to control their emotions and channel negative feelings in a positive way; and

WHEREAS, The United States Conference of Mayors adopted a resolution in June 2018 stating that "the Title IX prohibition against discrimination on the basis of sex includes, by definition, discrimination on the basis of gender identity"; and

WHEREAS, The United States Conference of Mayors adopted a resolution in June 2018 stating that "mayors have a critically important interest in the effective enforcement of state and local nondiscrimination laws, including laws prohibiting discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer people within our jurisdictions,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors believes that transgender youth have a right to participate on sports teams that best match their gender identity.