To the Education Policy Committee of the MN House of Representatives on February 19, 2025.

My name is Oby Ballinger, and I’m the founding organizer of Prism, a multiracial and multifaith network for LGBTQ equality in Minnesota. I’ve also served for fifteen years as a pastor in the United Church of Christ, leading congregations in Edina and near Cottage Grove. Every Sunday, worship in many UCC churches begins with the saying, “No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” We believe that every person—of every race, class, gender, age, and identity—is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. In both churches I’ve served, I have ministered to transgender youth who want what everyone wants: to belong, learn, grow and play in supportive environments, and to participate as themselves without having to hide or deny who they are. This is why I oppose House File 12 and other such measures that declare “unwelcome” the transgender youth that God has called beloved and calls us to welcome.

On Monday night, I gathered here at the capitol with a hundred others in the bitter cold to grieve the shocking murder of the Black trans young adult Sam Nordquist, and keep vigil with his Minnesota family. We don’t know yet the full circumstances in his case, but we do know that beloved trans people like Sam are four times more likely than others to suffer from violent crime. Transgender youth are also at significantly increased risk of the mental health struggles that come from constant challenges to a person’s worth or belonging. Youth sports are one of the ways trans people can develop resilience and experience belonging, as well as learning, growing, and playing in supportive environments. Rather than addressing harms against them, this legislation adds to the bullying that many trans youth face on a daily basis, doubling down on the lie that there is something wrong with youth who practice integrity by living according to their God-given gender identity.

To repeat what the Holy Spirit tells the disciple Peter in the book of Acts: do not call “unclean” those whom God has called “clean”. Stop this unnecessary bill that adds to a climate of anti-trans discrimination, violates the image of God’s belovedness in every person, and heightens the likelihood of harm against the trans youth I know and love.