Texas House votes to strictly define man and woman, excluding trans people from state records – Houston Public Media
Salgu Wissmath for The Texas Tribune More than 300 activists and supporters marched from the Bexar County Courthouse to Crockett Park in “March for Us,” at the third annual celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility, on March 29, 2025, in San Antonio. “Texas House votes to strictly define man and woman, excluding trans people from […]
More than 300 activists and supporters marched from the Bexar County Courthouse to Crockett Park in “March for Us,” at the third annual celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility, on March 29, 2025, in San Antonio.
“Texas House votes to strictly define man and woman, excluding trans people from state records” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
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Dozens of trans people and their allies gathered in the outdoor Capitol rotunda Friday, chanting at the top of their lungs.
They will not erase us.
The next day, the Texas House of Representatives preliminarily passed a bill that aims to do just that.
House Bill 229 strictly defines men and women based on the reproductive organs they were born with, and orders state records to reflect this binary. The bill, titled the “Women’s Bill of Rights,” lays out the “biological truth for anybody who is confused,” said author Rep. Ellen Troxclair, an Austin Republican.
The bill passed on second reading 86-36 after an at times tense debate, and is expected to be finally approved this week before going to the Senate, which has already passed several bills with a similar focus.
Surrounded by a cadre of Republican women, Troxclair said the goal of the bill was to ensure women’s rights aren’t “eroded by activists” as more people come out as trans and nonbinary. Democrats argued against the bill for almost three hours with Rep. Jessica González, D-Dallas, saying “it is harmful, it is dangerous, and it is really freaking insulting.”
If this bill becomes law, more than 120,000 trans Texans would be forced to be defined in state records by the sex they were assigned at birth, rather than the gender they identify as, even if they’ve already legally changed their birth certificates and driver’s licenses.
Saturday’s debate rehashed a deep fracture over sex and gender that has animated the Texas Legislature, and much of the country, for the last five sessions. In previous years, legislators focused on tangible questions of bathroom access, youth sports and gender-affirming care for minors.
This year, the proposals that have gained the most traction reflect a more fundamental question: what is a woman?
For conservative lawmakers, the answer is simple, and best defined by reproductive organs. For trans people and their allies, the answer is simple, and best left to an individual’s assertion of their gender identity.
Only one of those groups controls the Texas Capitol.
“We’re a state that believes in truth, and we’re a state that honors the hard-won achievements of women, the women who fought for the right to vote, to compete in sports and to be safe in public spaces, to be treated equally under the law,” Troxclair said on the floor. “But if we can no longer define what a woman is, we cannot defend what women have won. We cannot protect what we cannot define.”
In the bill, a woman is defined as “an individual whose biological reproductive system is developed to produce ova,” and a man is “an individual whose biological reproductive system is developed to fertilize the ova of a female.” Democrats criticized this as overly simplistic, excluding trans people, but also intersex people and those who can’t conceive children.
“Any biologist knows there are variations in sex chromosomes, hormone levels and other traits … where an individual’s biological characteristics don’t align with typical male or female categorization,” said Rep. Jon Rosenthal, a Democrat from Houston. “The real question is, do you believe that all people have the basic rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of their own personal happiness?”
This bill aligns with an executive order from Gov. Greg Abbott, who declared in January that Texas only recognizes two sexes, male and female, and a non-binding legal opinion from Attorney General Ken Paxton, who said state agencies should not honor court opinions to change someone’s sex listed on official documents.
At the Capitol rally on Friday, Lambda Legal senior attorney Shelly Skeen said revoking these changed documents, and preventing people from changing them in the future, “affects every aspect of our daily lives.” Having a birth certificate or drivers’ license that reflects a different sex than their physical presentation, or that doesn’t align with their passport or other documents, could leave trans people in a legal limbo and potentially open them up to violence, she said.
It could impact the state facilities, like prisons, they are sorted into, the bathrooms and locker rooms they are supposed to use and the discrimination protections they are entitled to, Skeen said. Unlike other bills, like the so-called “bathroom bill,” this legislation does not have civil or criminal penalties for using a facility that doesn’t align with one’s sex.
Troxclair did accept one amendment, by El Paso Democrat Rep. Mary González, to clarify how intersex people, who are born with both sets of reproductive organs, fit into these definitions.
The chamber also preliminarily approved Senate Bill 1257, which would require health insurers that cover gender-affirming care to also cover any adverse consequences and costs of detransitioning. The bill, authored by Sen. Bryan Hughes and sponsored by Rep. Jeff Leach, passed 82-37.
Leach said he brought this bill on behalf of people who were left with hundreds of thousands of dollars of medical bills because their health insurance wouldn’t cover the costs of detransitioning.
“The illustration that I think best describes this is, if you take somebody to the dance and they want to go home, then you have to take them home,” Leach said during the debate on Saturday.
The bill says that any insurance company that covers gender-affirming care must cover all detransition-related costs for its members, even if that person wasn’t on the health insurance plan at the time they transitioned. Democrats filed more than half a dozen amendments to narrow the scope of the bill, critiquing the bill as a health insurance mandate. None of the amendments passed.
Last session, Texas lawmakers outlawed gender-affirming care for minors. Trans advocates worry that raising the cost of covering gender-affirming care will result in health insurers not covering the treatments for adults, either.
“If you can make it painful enough for providers and insurers, health care is gone,” said Emmett Schelling, the executive director of the Transgender Education Network of Texas. “It doesn’t just feed into gender-affirming care. It bleeds into health care that we all need, that we all deserve.”
Speaking on the floor Saturday, Rep. Ann Johnson, a Houston Democrat, said the Legislature was telling insurance companies not to cover gender-affirming care.
“The reality is this bill, however you couch it, is about eliminating the existence of trans individuals in Texas,” Johnson said. “Stop pretending that you’re for freedom. Stop pretending that this is about the kids.”
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This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/10/texas-house-trans-bills-advance/.
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Ruger Reaches New Milestone In Support Of Youth Shooting Sports
Ruger became the first Blue Diamond level sponsor of the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) in 2024 by supporting the youth shooting sports program with more than $75,000 a year. The company’s relationship with the SSSF is long-standing. Originally a Founding Partner of the SSSF’s Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) in 2012, the firm continues […]
Ruger became the first Blue Diamond level sponsor of the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) in 2024 by supporting the youth shooting sports program with more than $75,000 a year. The company’s relationship with the SSSF is long-standing. Originally a Founding Partner of the SSSF’s Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) in 2012, the firm continues into 2025 as a Blue Diamond sponsor of both SSSF’s SASP and Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) youth development programs.
“Ruger is honored to be the first sponsor to reach the Blue Diamond level in supporting such a worthy cause that teaches safe, responsible handling of firearms,” said Paul Pluff, Ruger public relations manager.
Youths participating in SASP events use either rimfire rifles, revolvers or pistols and/or centerfire handguns or pistol-caliber carbines to engage circular or rectangular plates. SCTP teams practice and complete in trap, skeet and sporting clays, as well as Olympic disciplines that include Bunker Trap, Trap Doubles and International Skeet.
“We are honored to have a great company like Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. as a sponsor of our youth development programs,” commented Rick Leach, SSSF president and executive director and national director of SASP. “Ruger celebrated their 75th year of making quality firearms last year, and we appreciate their support. Throughout the year, Ruger runs auctions on Gun Broker to support charities. We are humbled that they would select us to be a beneficiary of those funds.”
Ruger has a deep commitment to youth shooting sports and the future of the Second Amendment. This year, for example, the company continued its longstanding relationship with the Friends of the NRA as a Defender Level Corporate Sponsor. In April, the total money it raised since beginning special auctions for worthy organizations on Gunbroker.com in 2010 reached the $900,000 milestone.
Robinson Bill to Improve Nonprofit Fundraising Passes Committee
HARRISBURG – Legislation introduced by Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37) to help nonprofit organizations improve fundraising efforts was unanimously approved by the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee today. Senate Bill 416, a reintroduction of last session’s Senate Bill 667, would amend the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to allow […]
HARRISBURG – Legislation introduced by Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37) to help nonprofit organizations improve fundraising efforts was unanimously approved by the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee today.
Senate Bill 416, a reintroduction of last session’s Senate Bill 667, would amend the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to allow a licensed nonprofit organization to accept electronic payment for raffle tickets. This would allow these entities to accept credit and debit cards, as well as mobile or online payment services, such as PayPal or Venmo, instead of only cash or checks.
“I’ve heard from several nonprofits in Allegheny County regarding the need for this legislation, which recognizes the reality of today’s world. People rarely carry checks and cash anymore, but they still want to give,” Robinson said. “Nonprofits – such as volunteer fire departments and youth sports teams – should have the ability to accept donations in the ways that people want to pay. By updating these outdated rules, we’re giving these organizations a fighting chance to sustain their vital missions as they serve our communities.”
The legislation now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
Local Non-Profits Use Illinois Athletics Volunteer Opportunities for Fundraising Success
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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Local and regional non-profit organizations have great opportunities to raise money for their causes by working food service and concessions positions at Fighting Illini football games this season. Non-profits can earn anywhere from $10,000 to $45,000 in an athletic season. Illinois’ official concessions vendor, Oak View Group, […]
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Local and regional non-profit organizations have great opportunities to raise money for their causes by working food service and concessions positions at Fighting Illini football games this season. Non-profits can earn anywhere from $10,000 to $45,000 in an athletic season.
Illinois’ official concessions vendor, Oak View Group, offers community groups the ability to make anywhere from $120-$175 per game/per worker plus tips earned at the designated stand. It is recommended that groups have 6-10 workers per stand. There are additional opportunities for revenue for those who get Basset certified to work beer portables. Certification must be completed online for everyone (~approximately $14 per certification).
“This is a great opportunity available in our community,” said Tyler Hopple, General Manager of Illinois Athletic Food & Beverage. “Working as a non-profit group at athletic events offers a unique way to raise funds while building teamwork and community pride. The program is mutually beneficial for both Illinois Athletics and the non-profit organizations, whether it’s youth sports groups, school programs, or other local charities. It’s more than just fundraising; it’s a chance to engage with thousands of fans, develop valuable skills, and represent your mission in a high-energy environment. For the organizations, we’ve seen many groups clear well over $10,000 a football season and members who work all sports can clear more than $50,000 during the 2025-26 year.”
TESTIMONIAL FROM JEANNINE REESE, ST. JUDE’S CHILDRENS HOSPITAL RUN GROUP:
“As St. Jude runners, we commit to raising money when we register to participate in the yearly event which has 35 teams from across the state running to the Midwest affiliate in Peoria. Without this opportunity, we would not have been able to do what we do for St. Jude.
“We started volunteering at food and beer stands in 2019 and between the first football game of 2024 and the last baseball game on May 11 this spring, our overall crew of 15 volunteers worked 60 UI events for a grand total of $61,686.31. That amount includes all tips kindly given to us.”
For more information or to sign up your non-profit, contact Tyler Hopple at tyler.hopple@oakviewgroup.com.
A whole-club approach to youth mental health promotion
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Sports clubs have the potential to provide a profound and positive impact on the mental health of their younger members, but the whole club must be engaged to make a real difference. A new study by Flinders University, published in Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, shows that while coaches […]
Sports clubs have the potential to provide a profound and positive impact on the mental health of their younger members, but the whole club must be engaged to make a real difference.
A new study by Flinders University, published in Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, shows that while coaches are often the focus of mental health efforts in sport, real and sustainable change relies on recognizing the role of all club stakeholders including parents, committee members, trainers and volunteers.
“Our findings suggest that mental health initiatives in youth sporting clubs need to go beyond coaches to embrace a ‘whole-club’ approach,” says lead author, registered psychologist and Ph.D. student, Kate Rasheed.
“Sporting clubs are made up of so many moving parts and if we want to truly support young people, we need to consider the club as a whole, and not just rely on coaches or one passionate individual.”
With growing recognition of sporting clubs as venues for mental health promotion, various programs and resources have been developed for these locations.
“Some programs have shown promise in improving mental health outcomes, however it’s still not regarded as a priority,” says Rasheed from the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work.
Drawing on interviews with 23 South Australian sporting club stakeholders, including coaches, trainers, presidents, and parents, the study found strong recognition of the importance of community clubs supporting youth mental health.
However, this recognition is rarely translated into meaningful or ongoing engagement with club-based mental health initiatives.
“Many participants described one-off efforts or ‘token’ activities that lacked integration into club culture or routine,” she says.
“We really need to rethink how mental health strategies are framed and delivered.
“They should not only focus on individual well-being but also a broader perspective that includes support and education for players, coaches, and staff, as well as the club’s policies, culture, and structure.
“By addressing these, clubs can create a more supportive environment rather than just implementing isolated programs.
“It ensures mental health initiatives are embedded in the club’s identity, making them more effective and long-lasting.”
The study also found that a greater emphasis needs to be placed on helping clubs create safe, inclusive environments, and integrate mental health support into existing practices and routines of sport.
Importantly, these efforts must also work to bridge the persistent gap between performance, physical health, and mental health by using sport-specific strategies that make mental well-being part of everyday training and play.
“Unlocking a club’s potential requires a collective, multilayered approach tailored to each individual club,” she says.
“We’re not saying clubs necessarily have to do more, but they do need to do things differently. Even small, well-aligned steps when embedded in club culture and routine can make a meaningful difference.”
More information:
Kate Rasheed et al, Unlocking a sporting club’s potential: a whole club approach to youth mental health promotion from the perspectives of club stakeholders, Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health (2025). DOI: 10.1080/2159676X.2025.2476151
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A whole-club approach to youth mental health promotion (2025, June 10)
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Youth Soccer Camp doubles in size from previous season
According to Challenger Sports, from the ages of 2-5, the camp includes “games, activities, and adventures to introduce and develop coordination, balance, running, stopping, turning, kicking, dribbling, throwing, and catching.” For the kids from ages 6-12, the camp offers “a cultural, educational, and informational program that uses soccer to teach core values of responsibility, integrity, […]
According to Challenger Sports, from the ages of 2-5, the camp includes “games, activities, and adventures to introduce and develop coordination, balance, running, stopping, turning, kicking, dribbling, throwing, and catching.”
For the kids from ages 6-12, the camp offers “a cultural, educational, and informational program that uses soccer to teach core values of responsibility, integrity, respect, sportsmanship, and leadership.”
“Exposure to the sport,” Hughes said. “Hopefully some excitement that will astir their soccer careers and help them continue to play and enjoy it.”
With soccer being an international sport, Hughes is hopeful that the sport will continue to grow and bring more kids out to participate.
“Challenger offers a variety of camps and opportunities for kids,” she said. “They’re a pretty cool company. They do camps across the country, and they’ve been awesome to work with.”
How teens are using sports to improve their mental health
WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — As concerns over youth mental health continue to grow, communities are turning to an outlet to help young people cope: sports. From physical activity to social support, studies show playing sports can have long-lasting mental health benefits. What You Need To Know North Carolina FC Youth […]
WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — As concerns over youth mental health continue to grow, communities are turning to an outlet to help young people cope: sports. From physical activity to social support, studies show playing sports can have long-lasting mental health benefits.
What You Need To Know
North Carolina FC Youth knows youth sports can serve as an outlet to alleviate stress
From physical activity to social support, studies show playing sports can have long-lasting mental health benefits
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a study in 2023 that found 40% of these teens said that they’ve dealt with persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year
Some programs also offer financial aid for families, making it easier to access youth leagues regardless of income
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2023, a study found that among high school students across the nation, in the past year many teens face mental health issues. According to the study, 40% of these teens said that they’ve dealt with persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year. Nationwide, 20% of teens reported seriously considering attempting suicide in the past year.
In 2023, the CDC reported how teen’s mental health is taking a decline. (Spectrum News)
North Carolina FC Youth is the largest club in North Carolina, offering soccer to children from the ages of 5 to 18 across the Triangle. Lucia Namey, an NCFC Youth soccer player, said the game means everything to her.
“It was genuinely life-changing for me,” Namey said. “I don’t know where I’d be without soccer.”
Namey recently injured a ligament in her knee.
“With injuries, they’re just very isolating, and you feel very lonely, because no one knows exactly what you are going through,” Namey said.
She said that if it weren’t for the support of her teammates, she wouldn’t have been able to get through her injury.
“Everyone showed up for me when I need their support the most,” Namey said. “I think that in moments like that, when you’re at your lowest, having a big circle around you, showing you love, helps get you through because you know that you’re not alone, even when you do feel alone.”
Her favorite part of being on the team is the strong support system that sports teams like these can bring.
“Being here definitely just boosts your mood. I leave feeling much happier,” Namey said. “I can be having the worst day, and I know that I’ll leave here feeling so much better.”
For her, it’s not only about the support of her teammates, but also being able to let off some steam and be physically active after school.
Lucia Namey, NCFC Youth soccer player, is out with an ACL injury, but she still comes to practices to support her teammates. (Spectrum News 1/Ashley Van Havere)
“You get that anger out, you get to express yourself in a different way that’s not screaming or yelling at someone,” Namey said.
It’s not just about the exercise, NCFC Youth Chief Marketing and Development Officer Katharine Eberhardt said the social side of sports plays a huge role in mental well-being.
“Mental health is such an important topic, it always has been, and especially now, it’s a part of the conversation,” Eberhardt said. “We want parents to be talking with their kids, we want coaches to be talking with their their players.”
With a world full of screen time, Eberhardt said it’s becoming even more important for activities like these to exist.
“It’s great to have an outlet where we can create this environment that allows kids some freedom to become friends,” Eberhardt said.
For NCFC Youth Coach Tom Misuraca, it’s all about watching the teens grow as people and have fun on the field.
“You just got to keep them up and keep them going, get their confidence back, let them know they’re doing a good job and just be there for them and talk to them when they when they get down,” Misuraca said.
For these kids, the real win isn’t just what’s on the scoreboard, but it’s in feeling supported. Sports doesn’t fix everything, but it might just be part of the solution.
Some programs also offer financial aid for families, making it easier to access youth leagues regardless of income. If you’re interested in joining a youth sports team, here are some helpful resources:
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