Becky Pepper-Jackson, a 15-year-old sophomore in West Virginia, has emerged as a prominent figure in the ongoing battle over the participation of transgender girls in sports. Last year, she earned a bronze medal in the discus throw during her first year of high school, but her future in athletics is now clouded by a state ban on transgender girls participating in women's sports.
West Virginia's law, one of more than two dozen state-level prohibitions, has been paused by lower courts but faces scrutiny from the conservative-leaning Supreme Court. On Tuesday, justices heard arguments regarding whether such bans violate the Constitution or Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in education.
In a recent interview, Pepper-Jackson expressed her determination to advocate for her place in sports, stating, It’s something I’m here to do because ... this is important to me. I know it’s important to other people. So, like, I’m here for it. Together with her mother, Heather Jackson, she opened up about her journey as a athlete and the impact of these laws.
Despite being a strong contender in discus and shot put, the legal and emotional battles have taken a toll on her. Although she has relied on puberty blockers for her transition and has identified as a girl since grade school, fears loom over her ability to compete as more states push for similar bans.
West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey claims that allowing transgender girls to compete undermines women’s sports, citing biological differences. His stance reflects a widespread belief among supporters of the bans, who argue that the inclusion of transgender athletes threatens fairness in competition.
Amid all this, Pepper-Jackson's story serves as a poignant reminder of the human element often lost in the sports and politics debate. As public support tilts towards limiting transgender participation, she and her advocates strive to remind others of the value of inclusion and empathy in sports.
The Supreme Court's upcoming decisions could greatly influence not only the fate of Pepper-Jackson but also the future of transgender rights in sports across the country.
