Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal defended transgender athletes in girls’ sports during a speech on Thursday, asserting that it is “inaccurate” to claim there are only two genders. “It is simply incorrect to state, biologically, that there are only boys and girls,” Reykdal stated. “There exists a continuum. This is supported by science. Some children are born intersex, and others have hormones and chromosomes that do not align with their sex assigned at birth.” He emphasized that this is not a topic for debate today, reminding listeners of their civil rights obligations. “Our state laws clearly state that children have the right to identify and participate according to their gender identity. We will uphold that law.”
Reykdal, who previously served three terms as a Democratic member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 22nd district, criticized former President Donald Trump’s recent executive order that bans trans athletes from competing in girls’ sports. He highlighted that out of nearly a quarter million students involved in interscholastic athletics in Washington, only about five to ten have identified as transgender. “If we cannot accommodate the needs of five or ten individuals—ensuring privacy for all students as our laws require—then who are we?” he questioned.
Reykdal argued that Trump lacked the authority to impose such a ban but acknowledged that Congress does have that power. The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which mirrors Trump’s order, has passed in the House of Representatives but has yet to be voted on in the Senate. “Until Congress or our state legislature changes the law, we will adhere to the current laws and civil rights framework of this state,” Reykdal affirmed.
In Washington, high school athletes are permitted to compete based on their gender identity rather than their biological sex. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) policy allows athletes to participate in programs “consistent with their gender identity or the gender most consistently expressed,” without any medical or legal prerequisites. Although bills aimed at prohibiting transgender girls from competing in girls’ and women’s sports have been introduced, none have passed. However, due to growing concerns among residents, the WIAA proposed creating a separate open division for transgender athletes to compete in.