Across the U.S.—and especially here in Texas—lawmakers are targeting trans youth in sports. Beyond generating media headlines, these anti-trans sports laws impact community wellness, inclusion, and mental health. Here at OutWellness, we strive to alleviate these negative pressures by putting affirming movement at the core of our work. As an organization on the front lines of creating inclusive athletics and queer wellness programs, we’ll help unpack what’s happening with anti-trans sports laws, why it matters, and how we can act together.
What’s Making Headlines?
1. State & National Sports Bans
- Texas HB 25 (2021) requires K–12 students to play sports based on birth-assigned gender, barring trans kids from team participation .
- In 2023, SB 15 extended that ban to college athletics in Texas, forbidding trans athletes from competing in college-level sports alongside their peers .
- Nebraska recently enacted a similar K–12 ban, demonstrating that these anti-trans sports laws contribute to a national trend.
- In contrast, California is suing the federal government to safeguard school funding tied to trans-inclusive policies .
2. Political Pressure in Texas School Districts
- Texas AG Ken Paxton subpoenaed Dallas ISD officials regarding alleged “loopholes” that might allow trans athletes to play on teams matching their identity—claiming noncompliance with HB 25 .
- In San Antonio’s schools, an undercover video triggered investigations and resignations, despite administrators’ attempts to comply with anti-trans sports laws.
3. A Texas Trailblazer: Mack Beggs
- Mack Beggs, a trans man in North Texas, challenged discriminatory legislation by wrestling (and winning) in the 2017 and 2018 Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL) girls’ division state championships. Beggs used hormone blockers to minimize any advantages given by his low dose testosterone.
- In college, Beggs competed on the men’s wrestling team, a welcome change for him and his push for trans-inclusive athletics.
- His success fueled scrutiny, debate, and inspired policy change. He now advocates for more equitable regulations.
National Spotlight: Gaines vs. Biles
The U.S. debate intensified when Riley Gaines (former NCAA swimmer, now conservative activist) slammed a trans high school athlete as “a boy.” Such rhetoric underpins the recent national push for anti-trans sports laws. Cultural icon Simone Biles responded:
“Gaines is ‘a sore loser,’ ‘truly sick,’ and the debate needs affirmative solutions—not gatekeeping .”
The Impact of Trans Sports Bans
1. Mental Health Paid in Full
Affirming environments reduce suicide risk in trans youth. Sports bans remove critical sources of joy, routine, and connection . The Trevor Project’s 2024 National Survey underscores this, showing that over 50% of trans youth seriously considered suicide in the past year—numbers that drop significantly when they feel affirmed.
2. Denial of Fundamental Access
Movement isn’t optional—it’s vital. Anti-trans sports laws that exclude trans youth from athletics unravels a core part of social belonging and body confidence.
3. Rising Tensions in Texas
Anti-trans sports laws don’t perpetuate harm in a vacuum. School district busts and pressure from AG Ken Paxton fuel a climate of fear and stigma, which affects all students attending Texas schools.
How OutWellness Responds
We exist to uplift trans and queer wellness — and that means opposing exclusion.
1. Consistent Trans Masc & Femme Workouts
Our community gathers weekly not just to exercise, but to heal and belong, especially in Austin. We won’t give that up. If you’re interested in joining, reserve your spot for our trans masc or trans femme workouts and see for yourself the difference community can make!
2. Inclusion with Boundaries
We practice firm safety standards: transphobes, fatphobes, and racists aren’t welcome. We retain spaces for healing—not debate . To learn more about us and our space, click here.
3. Building Gender‑Affirming Care
Through post-op PT, hormone-aware coaching, and advocacy on state policies, we support queerness — in sports and life. Want care that actually sees you? Explore our full list of services here.
What You Can Do
1. Speak Up & Policy Push
Call your state representatives about HB 25, SB 15, and other bills restricting the rights of trans youth. Visit Equality Texas to learn more about getting involved.
2. Support Inclusive Spaces
Attend, promote, or donate to queer-led fitness programs. Your presence ensures sustainability—especially now.
3. Think Outside Sports Laws
Even in hostile environments, community action matters:
- Share trans-affirming stories like Mack’s
- Stand with students facing public pressure
- Send love to families navigating school drama
Final Thought
In Texas, battles for trans rights don’t just occur in the legislature. They also happen in wellness spaces – gyms, locker rooms, and school halls – where bodies and hearts should heal.
At OutWellness, we stand firm: trans people belong in sports—at every age and every level. No compromise.
Our fight isn’t just about participation. It’s about belonging, thriving, and living out loud in safe spaces.
This isn’t just sports. It’s survival.
