NBA’s Miami Heat has joined the growing list of Florida sports teams to come out against a pair of bills in the state legislature that would ban transgender youth from playing sports in school.
House Bill 1475 and Senate Bill 2012, which would force schools to require students play on sports teams “on the basis of students’ biological sex,” have one more committee each before moving to a full vote in the House and Senate.
“The Miami HEAT champions diversity and inclusion both on and off the court,” a spokesperson for the team wrote in a press release April 5. “We believe sports are at their best when they bring people together to work, to play and to create a sense of belonging for all. Every young person deserves the opportunity to participate in athletics and experience the critical life lessons that sports offer such as wellness, dedication, problem-solving, and leadership. Sports should be welcoming for all.”
Dwyane Wade, who retired from the Miami Heat in 2019, has been a vocal supporter for transgender rights since his daughter came out as transgender in 2020.
The eSports organization, Misfits Gaming joined the Heat in condemning these anti-trans bills which have been introduced in dozens of state legislatures across the country.
“We applaud the Heat and Misfits and the legion of sports and business leaders for standing on the right side of history — on the side of transgender young people,” Nadine Smith, Equality Florida executive director, said in the press release. “Just like their peers, transgender kids participate in sports to find a place to belong. Major sports teams in Florida and the country have long understood this and sought to provide pathways into sports for young people of all identities. It is beyond time for the Florida legislature to stop these bills that are driven by election posturing not the needs of young people in our state. Lawmakers should heed the overwhelming calls for inclusion and put a stop to these bills.”
The Heat joins the NHL hockey team Tampa Bay Lightning and the Orlando Pride soccer team in showing support for the transgender community. Last month, both the Lightning and Pride posted to Twitter their support.
Words matter.
The language we use matters.
Speaking up and speaking out matters.
No matter your race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
If you can play, you can play.
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤🤎#HockeyIsForEveryone @YouCanPlayTeam pic.twitter.com/uEQH3aoI3i— Lightning Foundation (@LightningFDN) March 31, 2021
Happy International Trans Day of Visibility! We see you every day and support you every day. 💙💗🤍
Soccer is for all. #TDOV https://t.co/P6glxAW4fh
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) March 31, 2021
HB 1475 has been added to the Education & Employment Committee agenda for April 6. SB 2012 is with the Rules Committee.
