STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has committed to tackling three social justice initiatives in its seventh season of play, all of which are seen here locally and around the world: 1. food insecurity 2. diversity, equity, and inclusion 3. women in sports.
With the Elevating Voices series, Tormenta FC aims to cultivate an atmosphere of inclusion and spread awareness by providing a platform for community members to share their voices, opinions and experiences on the club website and social media pages.
Tormenta FC understands the weight of this commitment and looks forward to making a positive impact across South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
Boro Pride Statement on Georgia Senate Bill 435:
Founded in 2019, Boro Pride is a non-profit organization advocating for the LGBTQIAP+ people in Statesboro-Bulloch County, Georgia, and the surrounding areas.
In light of recent events, we are speaking out against the rampant discrimination in Senate Bill 435 in Georgia. This bill that was recently passed discriminates against transgender athletes by not allowing them to play on school-sponsored sports teams that align with their true gender identity.
Transgender athletes have played sports consistent with their gender identity in several states in the U.S., and there have not been any problems. A common misconception is that transgender girls in particular have an unfair advantage due to a higher level of testosterone. However, many cisgender women also have naturally occurring higher levels of testosterone. As Katrina Karkazis, a senior visiting fellow and expert on testosterone and bioethics at Yale University, explains, “Studies of testosterone levels in athletes do not show any clear, consistent relationship between testosterone and athletic performance. Sometimes testosterone is associated with better performance, but other studies show weak links or no links. And yet others show testosterone is associated with worse performance.”
This bill is a “solution” for a problem that does not actually exist. Legislators are unable to provide any actual examples of anyone using this to cheat or gain an unfair advantage because there are none. Viewed in light of the systemic violence that transgender people have faced and continue to face, it’s absolutely vital that everyone in the community works to create a more inclusive and hospitable environment that allows everyone to truly be themselves and thrive.
More than 150 major U.S. companies have spoken out against the anti-transgender legislation that has passed and is being proposed across the country. More importantly, advocates for women and girls in sports – such as Women Leaders in College Sports and the Women’s Sports Foundation – oppose efforts to exclude transgender students from participating in sports. So do prominent cisgender woman athletes including Megan Rapinoe, Cheryl Reeve, and Billie Jean King. There are many issues within womens’ sports that these organizations advocate for, such as inadequate resources devoted to supporting them, but transgender participation in sports is not one of them.
Take a moment and imagine that someone told you that you were a different gender and then forced you to play on the school sports team of that gender. You would most likely feel depressed and confused by that experience. Playing sports should be a positive experience both physically and mentally. Being forced to play a sport limited to a gender with which you do not identify, detracts from this positive experience.
Statesboro Pride is standing against the anti-transgender rhetoric that has contributed to more than 50 violent deaths in 2021 alone. Transgender athletes deserve the chance to be seen and heard on all sports fields. Unfortunately, Georgia is not alone in passing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, as currently many states have similar bills that have been introduced this year. Even though Statesboro Pride is based out of Statesboro, Tormenta FC is one of many entities that have brought global citizens to our community. Nondiscrimination and gender equity are essential to being able to attract the most competitive businesses, opportunities and citizens to our community. We urge you to stand with us.
UPCOMING BORO PRIDE EVENTS:
- We’re Coming Out! Recruitment Event
Join Boro Pride on March 12th at the Luetta Moore Park building from 3-5 p.m. ET to learn more about joining the organization! There will be a meet & greet with Miss Boro Pride, a trivia contest, refreshments, free giveaways, and more!
- Tormenta FC vs. Young Harris College Preseason Friendly
Pride and football go hand in hand! Come out to Tormenta FC’s preseason match on Saturday, March 26 at Erk Russell Park to watch the 2022 squad in action and learn more about joining Boro Pride!
