Protecting Girls in Sports: Community Conversation to Examine Fairness, Safety, and Title IX

Washington voters are expected to decide a closely watched girls' sports initiative, sponsored by Let’s Go Washington, this November. The Highline Journal is inviting residents to learn more before casting their ballots.

The Highline Journal's next Community Conversation event, "Protecting Girls in Sports: A Bipartisan Discussion," will focus on Initiative IL26-638, known as Protecting Fairness in Girls' Sports, a measure that would limit girls' sports to biological females.

Why are people concerned about girls' sports? 

Supporters argue the measure is necessary to preserve fairness, safety, and equal athletic opportunities for girls. Opponents argue that trans-identifying students should be allowed to participate in sports consistent with their self-identified gender.

The issue has become one of the most debated public policy questions in Washington. The debate has intensified in recent months following a federal Title IX investigation and a pending lawsuit involving a girls' wrestling competition in the Puyallup School District. At the same time, the issue has become the focus of legislative proposals, school district discussions, and statewide ballot initiatives.

The Highline Journal's Community Conversation series is designed to provide a respectful forum where residents can learn about important public issues, hear directly from advocates, and ask questions. With the measure expected to appear on the November ballot, the event aims to help residents better understand the arguments surrounding one of Washington's most closely watched initiatives.

Featured Speakers

Featured speakers include Brian A., Washington State Coordinator for Democrats for an Informed Approach to Gender (DIAG), and Jess Grant of TITLE IX EDMONDS.

Both organizations say concerns about girls' sports are not limited to one political party and that voters deserve the opportunity to hear different viewpoints before deciding the issue at the ballot box.

Brian describes himself as a lifelong supporter of women's rights and a longtime Democratic voter who became involved after growing concerned about the impact of “Washington State’s radical gender policies.” As Washington State Coordinator for DIAG, he helps connect Democrats and Independents who support changes to current state policies regarding gender identity, girls' sports, and parental rights. Their goal is to “turn the tide on the common-sense-defying policies that have been implemented in Washington.” 

"We are Democrats who know that males do not belong in girls' sports or women's prisons and that children cannot consent to unnecessary life-altering drugs and surgeries before they are even old enough to get a tattoo," Brian said. "These are not party-line issues."

Jess has advocated for women's rights since the 1980s. He spent the last six years studying gender ideology, helping women restore their sex-based rights, and protecting children from medical harm. 

Currently, he leads TITLE IX EDMONDS, a grassroots organization focused on what it describes as fairness, safety, and dignity in female athletics. The group advocates for preserving sex-based athletic categories and educational opportunities for girls and women.

According to TITLE IX EDMONDS, Title IX was established to ensure equal opportunities for female students in public schools. The organization argues those protections have been weakened by policies allowing biological males to compete in girls' and women's sports. They work through education, community organizing, and advocacy to promote what it considers fair competition for female athletes.

Event Details

Protecting Girls in Sports: A Bipartisan Discussion

Wednesday, June 24
6:15–8:00 p.m.
Burien location provided upon RSVP

$5 at the door.

Presentation followed by audience Q&A.

RSVP required. 

To receive the event location, email info@TheHighlineJournal.com.