As the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear two high-profile cases involving transgender student athletes, LGBTQ+ advocates are urging the justices to consider not only constitutional questions, but the real-world consequences facing trans youth across the country.
On Jan. 13, the court will hear oral arguments in West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox, cases that challenge state laws barring transgender girls from participating on school sports teams that align with their gender identity. While the cases focus on athletics, advocates say the broader implications reach far beyond the playing field.
What’s at Stake for Trans Youth
The challenged laws in West Virginia and Idaho are part of a growing wave of state-level restrictions that target transgender participation in school sports. Supporters of the bans often frame them as necessary for fairness or safety. Critics argue they rely on assumptions rather than evidence and impose blanket exclusions that fail to account for differences in age, sport, or level of competition.
The Trevor Project, the nation’s leading suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ young people, has taken a firm stance against the bans. In a statement released ahead of the hearings, CEO Jaymes Black urged the Supreme Court to reject what he described as discriminatory policies.
“Like all young people in this country, transgender youth deserve the opportunity to play sports at school, if they want to,” Black said, emphasizing that exclusion sends a damaging message about belonging.
Mental Health Impacts Backed by Data
The Trevor Project points to a growing body of research linking anti-transgender legislation to negative mental health outcomes. According to the organization, transgender and nonbinary youth living in states where restrictive laws were enacted reported up to a 72% increase in suicide attempts compared to peers in states without such policies.
Their 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People found that 46% of transgender and nonbinary respondents seriously considered suicide in the past year. Political debates and legislation were cited as a major source of distress, with 90% of LGBTQ+ youth saying recent politics harmed their well-being.
Sports participation, meanwhile, appears to have protective effects. LGBTQ+ youth who reported playing sports showed nearly 20% lower rates of depressive symptoms than those who did not. Still, fewer than one in three LGBTQ+ young people participate in athletics, often citing discrimination or fear of mistreatment as barriers.
Beyond Fairness Arguments
Black also criticized the laws for applying broad restrictions without nuance. “These one-size-fits-all bans treat every sport, age group, and level of competition the same,” he said, adding that they are rooted in misinformation rather than evidence.
While acknowledging the need for thoughtful discussion around safety and competition, Black drew a clear line between regulation and exclusion. “Banning an entire group of young people from any participation whatsoever is discrimination, plain and simple,” he said.
Polling from The Trevor Project suggests the emotional toll is immediate. Among transgender and nonbinary youth surveyed, debates around sports bans triggered feelings of anger, sadness, stress, and fear, underscoring how public discourse alone can impact mental health.
Looking Ahead
The Supreme Court’s decisions in these cases could shape how states approach transgender inclusion in schools for years to come. Regardless of the outcome, The Trevor Project says its mission remains unchanged.
“No matter what they decide,” Black said, “we will continue fighting for a world where transgender and nonbinary youth feel safe, seen, and accepted exactly as they are.”
