GOP group misuses pediatricians' name in anti-trans sports initiative

Let’s Go Washington defies the American Academy of Pediatrics in its anti-trans sports ban campaign.

Told by Claire Lawson · 29 August 2026

The Republican group Let’s Go Washington is under fire for misrepresenting the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in its push for an anti-trans sports measure in Washington. The measure, which will appear on the ballot in November, would require girl student-athletes to confirm their 'biological sex' through genital inspections to participate in sports.

Despite the AAP's request to remove its name from the initiative, Let’s Go Washington has doubled down on its claim, asserting that the AAP's recommendation for annual health checkups somehow supports their invasive proposal. This is a blatant distortion. Pediatricians recommend routine checkups, not sports physicals that involve genital inspections.

The AAP's Washington chapter expressed concern that referencing their name could mislead voters into believing the organization endorses the measure, which it does not. Over 100 medical professionals have issued a statement against this initiative, emphasizing that such exams are not only unnecessary but can also emotionally and physically harm young girls.

Critics, including Dr. Eloi Hoopman, argue that Let’s Go Washington is using misleading language to push a harmful agenda, framing the issue as a 'common-sense' approach while ignoring the potential consequences for marginalized youth, particularly those from low-income backgrounds who may face additional barriers to healthcare.

The initiative could push poorer students out of sports entirely, as hormone or genetic testing isn't always covered by insurance, making invasive inspections the more viable option for verification. Furthermore, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) currently allows children to participate in sports aligned with their gender identity, having done so since 2007. This proposed measure would undermine that progress, using trans youth as pawns in a larger political game.

Even if the measure passes, it could face significant legal challenges based on Washington's Equal Rights Amendment, which protects against sex discrimination. This battle isn't just about sports; it's about the dignity and rights of trans individuals, who are once again being caught in the crossfire of political maneuvering.