To the editor:

This is what came to mind, Congressman Moulton? That you’re afraid of your daughters being “run over” by a hypothetical trans girl on the playing field? Never mind that trans people’s athletic abilities vary just like those of cisgender athletes, especially at the secondary school level. Never mind that growing up is tough even in the best circumstances and that the risk of suicide increases when young people are excluded from community spaces and made to feel unwanted or inferior. Never mind that your comments do not reflect what our community believes, as illustrated by the Salem School Committee’s swift condemnation of your remarks.

You talk about the “challenges” Americans face. Is this really the challenge you want to highlight—the one that puts a target on the backs of your trans constituents? I have fears for my daughter and son, too, but a tense in-game encounter with a superior athlete, trans or not, is very low on the list. My family is counting on you to lead our district with humanity and courage in the coming years—a district full of wonderful people across the gender spectrum, kids included.

These comments mark a disappointing, dangerous start.

Joelle Carson

Salem