Transgender Athlete’s Family Appeals Supreme Court Decision

The family of transgender athlete Becky Pepper Jackson has initiated an appeal regarding the Supreme Court case centered on the participation of biological males in women’s sports.

A brief submitted by her mother, Heather Jackson, argues that West Virginia’s legislation, which prohibits transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports, infringes upon Title IX. This federal law, however, does not specifically safeguard the rights of biologically male transgender individuals identifying as female, and the current administration along with West Virginia officials have not interpreted Title IX in that manner.

Heather Jackson’s brief highlights Becky’s personality and her aspiration to join in sports with girls. BPJ, as she is referred to, is described as a “bright and kind” teenager from West Virginia who excels academically with “straight A’s” and enjoys subjects like math and science. Beyond academics, she loves riding her bike, playing with her dog, and spending time with friends.

“BPJ wants to participate in sports for the same reasons that motivate most kids: to enjoy being part of a team and to forge friendships. Her involvement in sports teams has provided her with opportunities to cultivate teamwork skills, self-confidence, and a strong work ethic.

“When she’s on the field, she feels liberated to express herself. I mean, being a transgender girl on a boys’ team would lead to isolation, stigma, and public humiliation. With hardly any co-ed teams available in West Virginia, girls’ teams are really her only viable option to engage in her school’s athletic programs,” the brief explains.

The athlete has shared her perspective through the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), arguing for the right of athletes to compete in women’s sports, claiming that West Virginia’s law aims to ostracize transgender individuals from social and public participation.

“I compete at school for the same reasons as my teammates: to build friendships, have fun, and push myself through practice and teamwork,” the 15-year-old stated.

“All I’ve ever wanted is the same opportunities as my peers. Instead, my rights and identity have become topics for discussion among politicians who have never met me, all while they attempt to block my participation in sports with my friends. I recognize this case is larger than just myself and extends beyond sports.

This is part of a broader goal to erase transgender individuals like me from public life. I take pride in standing up alongside my mom for my beliefs and identity, and I hope other trans kids realize they are not alone.”

The case West Virginia v. BPJ is one of two significant cases concerning the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports that will likely be reviewed by the Supreme Court in early 2026.

This case, together with Little v. Hecox from Idaho, will explore whether states can implement and enforce laws that bar biological males from joining women’s sports teams.

Lindsay Hecox, another transgender athlete involved in Little v. Hecox, originally filed a lawsuit in 2020 aimed at halting the enforcement of Idaho’s HB500, legislation prohibiting male participation in women’s sports. The Supreme Court agreed to hear this case in July alongside the one from West Virginia.

Hecox had also sought to initiate a lawsuit against the state of Idaho, but Governor Brad Little withdrew from the case last September.

However, a federal judge turned down Hecox’s request to dismiss the case, indicating that the Supreme Court would not weigh in on the potential dismissal until after the defendants present their oral arguments.