Hundreds of protesters from across the United States gathered outside the Supreme Court on Jan. 13 as justices heard oral arguments in two landmark cases challenging state laws that ban transgender youth from participating in school sports consistent with their gender identity.
The cases, West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox, challenge laws in West Virginia and Idaho that categorically prohibit transgender girls from competing on girls’ interscholastic and intercollegiate sports teams. Civil rights organizations including Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and Legal Voice argue the bans violate the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. In the West Virginia case, attorneys also argue the law violates Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in education.
Federal courts have blocked enforcement of both bans while the cases are under review.
Outside the court, demonstrators arrived by bus and car from California, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and other states. The rally was divided by a police barricade, separating supporters of transgender athletes and counter-protesters opposing their participation in women’s sports.
Supporters held signs reading “Protect Trans Youth”, “Trans Kids Belong”, “Resist”, and “Our Love Is Louder”. Many wore beanie hats distributed by the ACLU that read “More Than a Game”, a phrase organizers said reflected the broader implications of the cases.
Advocates emphasized that the issue extends beyond athletics, arguing that school sports provide critical benefits for young people, including confidence, teamwork, leadership, and social development. Across the barricade, counter-protesters displayed signs reading “Keep Men Out of Women’s Sports”, “Protect Women’s Sports”, and “Female Is Not a Hormone Level”, along with biblical quotations.
The event was heavily policed, with officers lining the perimeter on foot, bicycle, and in vehicles. K9 units were present, and officers were stationed on rooftops. Despite heated verbal exchanges, the rally remained peaceful.
Several transgender public figures appeared in support of the plaintiffs, including Jazz Jennings and actor Elliot Page. Jennings posted online from the rally, stating, “This is what fighting for trans rights looks like.”
“The cases being argued could be used to upend the civil rights of LGBT people across the board,” said aedy miller of LGBTQ civil rights organization Garden State Equality. “We’ve also seen these laws galvanize harassment toward people who aren’t trans.”
Transgender protesters also expressed concern about the impact of the bans.
“This is more than just a fight for trans people in sports,” said Sasha, a transgender woman from Maryland who did not want her last name used. “It’s a fight for trans rights in general.”
Lily Dalconzo, a transgender woman from Ocean County, New Jersey, said sports helped shape her development. “It taught me how to set goals and apply myself to achieve them,” she said.
Another transgender athlete from Washington, D.C., who requested anonymity, said, “I was lucky to play the sport I loved. I’m worried other trans athletes won’t have that chance.”
A decision in the cases is expected in the early summer of 2026.
