More than 100 adults gathered outside a Camas High School cross country meet in Washington state to voice opposition to a biological male competing against girls, a turnout that marked a shift from student-led protests to broader parental involvement. The rally coincided with the district championship, where the male runner finished second among a field of 25, helping Camas secure the girls district title. The event centered on Initiative 638, a November 3 ballot measure in Washington state that would enforce the separation of males and females in K-12 athletics.
Sarah Burns, whose daughter Holly walked off the start line in protest the previous week, described her transition from spectator to advocate. Wearing an XX-XY Athletics shirt, Burns stated that she felt compelled to speak out because teenage girls should be able to compete without having their achievements taken from them. Sarah Babb, whose daughter Madeline also left the course in protest, noted that standing alone at previous races had felt isolating. Babb said seeing such support alleviated the feeling of being bullied into silence, acknowledging the fear many parents harbor regarding public opposition.
The atmosphere at the meet was marked by both solidarity and hostility. Steve Lynch, a former coach who held a sign offering free answers on biological differences, was verbally attacked by a passing jogger who shouted inflammatory slurs. Lynch reported that such reactions are common for him. Other incidents cited in the broader context included a fan at a WNBA Finals game telling an advocate to kill herself and a Seattle Storm co-owner calling a girl wearing an XX-XY shirt insane.
Amy Sousa, a women's sports advocate, criticized adults for allowing girls to face these confrontations. She argued that if students are willing to stand up to peers, adults should stand up to their own, suggesting that if public action is too risky, participation in the ballot is the alternative. While some parents expressed fear of job loss or property damage, others attended in protect-women's-sports attire to honor their daughters' choices.
A counterpoint emerged from Stephanie, a woman at the rally who opposed Initiative 638. She argued that the measure would require invasive genital exams, a claim contradicted by the availability of other testing methods like cheek swabs. Stephanie contended that fairness is about size rather than gender, citing wrestling as an example where weight classes matter more than sex. She dismissed the need for testing on the grounds that there were not enough trans athletes to justify the expense.
The debate over biological differences was underscored by the departure of Camas High senior Kate Westfall. Westfall, who won districts last year and was the fastest girl on her current roster, quit the team earlier in the month. Her parents, Joe and Jennie Westfall, attended the district meet to support her decision. Jennie Westfall stated that her daughter chose to forgo opportunities in her senior season to highlight the impact of current state policy on female athletes forced to compete in what she described as an unfair environment.