Washington Initiative 638 passed last week, which prohibits “biologically male” students from competing with or against female students, effectively bans trans girls from participating in school sports. In addition, all girls seeking to participate in school sports will be required to undergo medical sex inspections as a new part of sports physicals. This will go into effect on December 3.
We oppose this initiative and will continue to fight for the rights of trans youth. We stand in solidarity with community partners who are leading litigation to prevent the implementation of Initiative 638. We firmly believe that all youth, including trans girls, deserve the opportunity to participate in school sports. When we exclude children from participating in team sports, we dim the lights on their futures and increase the risks of isolation, depression, inactivity, and other physical and mental health threats.
With the passage of this initiative, trans youth face increased systemic discrimination, which is already heightened due to the national political climate and the current federal administration’s anti-trans policies and rhetoric. LCYC will double down on our efforts to advocate for the safety and stability of trans youth in schools, at home, and in life.
According to the National Network for Youth: “Transgender and gender diverse youth experience some of the highest risks of homelessness and human trafficking. Many are forced to leave home due to family rejection or discrimination, and once homeless, they face elevated dangers in shelters and housing programs that are not designed for their safety or affirming of their identity. Traffickers exploit these vulnerabilities, preying on the need for acceptance and stable housing. Barriers to gender-affirming care, identity documentation, and legal protections further deepen instability for trans youth.”
Earlier this year, LCYC, TeamChild, and Skagit Valley YMCA filed an amicus brief to address International Partners for Ethical Care v. Ferguson, a lawsuit filed in response to Senate Bill 5599. SB 5599, which was enacted in 2023 to support youth and young adults seeking protected health care services, recognizes that notifying a parent of a young person’s whereabouts can sometimes put that young person at risk or create a barrier to accessing a safe shelter. Our brief affirms that SB 5599 promotes reconciliation among parents and youth seeking gender-related health care by adjusting how—not whether—parents receive notice their child reported to a shelter.
Through LCYC’s direct legal services, we support trans youth by affirming their identities through a variety of legal processes. In our Youth Homelessness Program, we support youth with gender marker and name changes, which can have significant implications for their ability to access identification, employment, housing, public benefits, and educational opportunities.
LCYC also supports trans youth who have experienced gender-based violence. We assist survivors with a wide variety of legal issues, including orders of protection, housing, emancipation, guardianships, debt and credit issues, ID documents, and public benefits. This holistic legal support helps survivors pursue greater safety and stability.
In child welfare (dependency) cases, we advocate in and out of court to ensure that trans youth are respected, affirmed, and supported. This includes advocating for affirming caregivers and placements, protection from discrimination and mistreatment, and access to gender-affirming services and care.
To trans youth in Washington: You are not alone. LCYC stands with you. We will continue to be in your corner and fight alongside you through systemic advocacy and zealous direct legal representation.
If you are looking for resources, we have compiled several guides that can be accessed through our LGBTQIA+ Resources page. More information on these key resources can be found below:
Know Your Pride Guide - This is a guide to legal rights and protections for transgender and gender non-conforming minors in Washington State. The guide answers basic questions about relationships with schools, employers, doctors, landlords, and the public.
The Safety Act Fact Guide - Governor Ferguson signed The Safety Act (HB 1296) into law in May 2025. This brochure provides high-level information on what has changed with regards to protecting the safety and privacy of our state’s most vulnerable students in public schools.
Post Name Change Order Guide - Provides information on changing identification documents after receiving a name change.