CHRIS MOSIER is a Team USA duathlete and founder of transathlete.com. For more from Chris, visit TheChrisMosier.com or follow him on Instagram @thechrismosier.

I have been an athlete my entire life. When I didn’t know who I was or how I fit in, sports gave me a purpose and a sense of belonging. I am so grateful for my identity as an athlete and especially grateful that I continue to compete at the highest level of my sport as a transgender athlete.

As the first openly transgender member of Team USA, I have become a visible model to trans youth of what is possible. Every day I hear from young trans athletes who are afraid that they won’t be able to compete (or even survive) because of who they are. They feel vulnerable and targeted because many of them live in states like South Dakota where their government representatives are working to expel them from participation in fundamental aspects of secondary education and extracurricular activities.

This week I learned that a new law is being proposed in South Dakota, SB 49, which would void that state’s policy allowing transgender athletes to participate in athletic activities consistent with their gender identity and replace it with a policy that mandates participation based on the gender listed on a person’s birth certificate. It breaks my heart because I know just how damaging these laws and policies are for trans youth and for all athletes.

Like other policies targeting trans youth, this bill send a message to trans students that they are shameful and not worthy of the basic educational benefits available to their peers. For many of us who find purpose in athletics, it is especially cruel to take that away. Read more via Out