In the 1860s, our country was divided over the issue of slavery. Today, everyone is against it.

In the early 1900s, women’s voting was controversial. Is any man now willing to explain to his daughters why women should not vote? Today, everyone is for this.

No serious person thinks we should have a segregated military, water fountains or schools. Seventy years ago, such views were common. Today, everyone is against this.

In 2004, sixty-one percent of Americans opposed same-sex marriage. Now, 70% of Americans support gay marriage. Not everyone, but we are getting there. My grandchildren cannot imagine a world where gay people are not open about who they love.

I predict a similar arc to the laws and treatment of trans athletes and who uses what bathroom. Today’s children’s children will sneer that a president tried to legislate against transgender people. He will be held in the same contempt that most of us now hold George Wallace and Strom Thurmond.

Our freedom to be who we are is a fundamental civil right. Trans rights are civil rights.

Scott Simmonds
Falmouth