Trump is president but he's not king. Individual athletic competitions and leagues can make their own determinations about this. The 2024 election didn't permanently sideline trans rights, nay we have only begun to fight for them.
The thing about these bans is that it would exhaust the State to truly try to enforce them. It would cost millions upon millions upon millions to actually police participation in all these sports teams across the nation, far more than the problem is worse. Our non-compliance will break their power.
I love this quote: “We’re not asking for permission to be here,” Val Pizzo, a trans man and former Flamingos president, told The Banner. “We’re playing.” Let us all find the courage to stand up to anti-trans bigotry when it confronts us. This is a mindset that extends well beyond sports into every aspect of our lives. Don't make excuses. Don't apologize for your existence. Don't agree to compromises. Don't comply with anti-trans guidance. Don't ask for permission. Use that restroom or changing room anyway. Apply for that sex-specific scholarship or grant. Put your pronouns in your email signatures. Take up the space you deserve, wherever that is and in whatever form that looks like. And hey, some of these actions are going to be dangerous in one way or another. But that's the reality that we're in. You either deny who you are and go back in closet or you demand your place in the world. As for me, I'm playing too.
Once again, an organization—this time USA Rugby—has chosen to bow to political pressure from this administration rather than stand by its own values. An executive order is not an act of Congress, and its legality can be challenged in the courts.
That's why the courage shown by the Ferals of the Baltimore Flamingos Club and Capital Union deserves recognition. The Ferals have publicly stood by their teammates, and Capital Union has taken the position that its members should not police one another. They have chosen solidarity over intimidation.
Real leadership isn't about giving in to political pressure—it's about standing up for your teammates and your principles. More clubs, leagues sand organization should have the courage to do the same instead of allowing fear and politics to dictate who gets to participate in sports. Bravo to the Ferals and Capital Union for taking a stand.
Wow! I'm one of those people who hates sports (lots of PTSD from gym/PE), and now I have not only a favorite sport (rugby), but a favorite team (Baltimore Ferals - LOVE the name!). And I know almost nothing about the sport, other than it's related to American football.
Thanks for this interesting and inspiring report, S. Baum.
These rugby players are awesome and make me proud to be a Maryland resident. More importantly, they highlight and put to shame the cowardly and cruel policies of other sports leagues, as well as the Trump administration and its allies at the state and local level. I trust that USA Rugby will not fold to the pressure that will surely be placed on it as this newsstpry spreads into the magasphere. It would be a shame if USA Rugby were to feel it necessary to enforce the policy it formally adopted banning trans athletes.
My gut tells me that the broader public is growing tired of the bullying of marginalized communities by conservatives who are increasingly exposed as ignorant and stupid. (Read the today's NY Times story on why and how Idaho passed its anti-trans bathroom ban.)
Yep! That’s what I love about Rugby, and especially women’s rugby. The Monterey Bay, California teams are saying the same thing: everyone is welcome!
🙏🏼 😍💕
I hate that this needs to be a story, but I love that in times like this it is!
I wish this story would get the media attention that it deserves.
How do we go about spreading this on social media? I could use some suggestions
Kyle Goon is on Bluesky; if you're there you can repost his tweet, or whatever it's called on Bluesky.
https://bsky.app/profile/kylegoon.bsky.social/post/3mr3fj6e7ks23
In addition to the great reporting and writing, the photography on that piece is A1 fantastic. Big kudos to the Baltimore Banner.
This should hit every existing social media platform!
Trump is president but he's not king. Individual athletic competitions and leagues can make their own determinations about this. The 2024 election didn't permanently sideline trans rights, nay we have only begun to fight for them.
And suddenly I need to buy a sports team's knick knacks . . .
TY, Baum.
Right? I'm suddenly a rugby fan??!?! Lol!
Yes!!!
Is there a way to support the team? I'd love to make a donation or buy some merch.
Yes!!
I have no strong feelings about rugby, but I love these players' energy!
Sweet news. I was just thinking that I could use some uplifting news. Hadn’t figured I’d find it though! 😊🫶💪
Craven legislators should be shamed by the integrity of the Ferals.
Common lesbian W, common queer people W.
The thing about these bans is that it would exhaust the State to truly try to enforce them. It would cost millions upon millions upon millions to actually police participation in all these sports teams across the nation, far more than the problem is worse. Our non-compliance will break their power.
I love this quote: “We’re not asking for permission to be here,” Val Pizzo, a trans man and former Flamingos president, told The Banner. “We’re playing.” Let us all find the courage to stand up to anti-trans bigotry when it confronts us. This is a mindset that extends well beyond sports into every aspect of our lives. Don't make excuses. Don't apologize for your existence. Don't agree to compromises. Don't comply with anti-trans guidance. Don't ask for permission. Use that restroom or changing room anyway. Apply for that sex-specific scholarship or grant. Put your pronouns in your email signatures. Take up the space you deserve, wherever that is and in whatever form that looks like. And hey, some of these actions are going to be dangerous in one way or another. But that's the reality that we're in. You either deny who you are and go back in closet or you demand your place in the world. As for me, I'm playing too.
Beautifully stated.
Once again, an organization—this time USA Rugby—has chosen to bow to political pressure from this administration rather than stand by its own values. An executive order is not an act of Congress, and its legality can be challenged in the courts.
That's why the courage shown by the Ferals of the Baltimore Flamingos Club and Capital Union deserves recognition. The Ferals have publicly stood by their teammates, and Capital Union has taken the position that its members should not police one another. They have chosen solidarity over intimidation.
Real leadership isn't about giving in to political pressure—it's about standing up for your teammates and your principles. More clubs, leagues sand organization should have the courage to do the same instead of allowing fear and politics to dictate who gets to participate in sports. Bravo to the Ferals and Capital Union for taking a stand.
Wow! I'm one of those people who hates sports (lots of PTSD from gym/PE), and now I have not only a favorite sport (rugby), but a favorite team (Baltimore Ferals - LOVE the name!). And I know almost nothing about the sport, other than it's related to American football.
GO FERALS! <3
Thanks for this interesting and inspiring report, S. Baum.
These rugby players are awesome and make me proud to be a Maryland resident. More importantly, they highlight and put to shame the cowardly and cruel policies of other sports leagues, as well as the Trump administration and its allies at the state and local level. I trust that USA Rugby will not fold to the pressure that will surely be placed on it as this newsstpry spreads into the magasphere. It would be a shame if USA Rugby were to feel it necessary to enforce the policy it formally adopted banning trans athletes.
My gut tells me that the broader public is growing tired of the bullying of marginalized communities by conservatives who are increasingly exposed as ignorant and stupid. (Read the today's NY Times story on why and how Idaho passed its anti-trans bathroom ban.)
This is so heartwarming to read.
Awesome for the teams organizing and standing up to Trump regime pressure!