OSHKOSH – LGBTQ+ leaders in the Oshkosh area are urging the Women’s Fund to reconsider its decision to select Bethany Hamilton, a surfer, as the keynote speaker for its annual Power of the Purse event on May 9. The event aims to raise awareness, advocacy, and funding for underrepresented women and children.
Hamilton, known for her story in the 2011 movie “Soul Surfer,” faced criticism for comments on her Instagram page in early 2023. She announced withdrawing from upcoming World Surf League competitions due to the organization’s updated policy supporting trans athletes’ participation. Hamilton questioned the fairness and constitutionality of allowing transgender athletes to compete against cisgender people.
The International Surfing Association’s new trans policy, effective February 3, 2023, allows athletes who identify as female and meet testosterone level requirements for the past 12 months to compete against cisgender women.
When announcing Hamilton as the keynote speaker, the Women’s Fund stated they were “unaware” of her personal views on transgender athletes. Karlene Grabner, executive director of the Women’s Fund, declined interview requests about the event.
The Women’s Fund stated Hamilton’s views on trans athletes won’t be the focus of her presentation and believe her message of resilience can transcend differences. However, LGBTQ+ activists argue that selecting Hamilton contradicts the Women’s Fund’s mission to “improve the lives of women, girls, and all members of the communities.”
Advocates TJ Hobbs and Misty Gedlinske wrote an open letter on January 15 urging the Women’s Fund and Discover Oshkosh to reconsider Hamilton’s invitation. The letter, signed by around 200 people, argues against promoting an openly stated trans-exclusionist.
The Women’s Fund has not indicated plans to withdraw Hamilton’s invitation, stating they look forward to continuing important discussions to strengthen communities. Amy Albright, executive director of Discover Oshkosh, forwarded the Women’s Fund’s statement when asked for comment.
LGBTQ+ activists view Hamilton’s selection as contradictory to the Women’s Fund’s mission and argue it sends a negative message to the community, particularly to transgender individuals. The ongoing debate about transgender athletes’ inclusion in women’s sports highlights the importance of inclusivity and respect for all individuals’ identities.
Activists for LGBTQ+ People Urge the Women’s Fund to Rethink Keynote Speaker
The Oshkosh Women’s Fund is facing calls from individuals, groups, and organizations to reconsider their choice of Bethany Hamilton as their keynote speaker, labeling the decision a “dangerous mistake that urgently needs correction.”
Ramos, one of the over 200 signatories who communicated privately and signed the open letter, stated that LGBTQ+ advocates are trying to make the Women’s Fund aware of the impact Hamilton’s selection is having on the community. They believe there’s an opportunity to learn from LGBTQ+ voices and “do better.”
Ramos commented, “When we realize we’ve made a mistake, we need to have the humility to change course, apologize, and do something different.” However, the Women’s Fund stating “We had no idea,” indicates a deficiency in the initial planning process.
Lynnsey Erickson, Deputy Mayor of Oshkosh and also a signatory, expressed her concern that Hamilton’s presence might signal to LGBTQ+ people that they are unwelcome in the community.
Erickson said, “I believe people when they say they’ve been hurt, bullied, threatened, and dehumanized by anti-trans rhetoric. In times like these, I want our community to be a place where everyone feels welcome.”
Surf Equity, a nonprofit advocating for equity and participation in professional surfing, wrote to the Women’s Fund to criticize the selection of Hamilton.
Sabrina Brennan, Executive Director of Surf Equity, stated, “We strongly urge a reconsideration of Bethany Hamilton as the keynote speaker for the Women’s Fund event.” “We believe it is essential to uphold values that promote diversity, equity, and respect for all individuals.”
In their letter, Gedlinske and Hobbs argue that allowing Hamilton to speak in Oshkosh would promote anti-trans rhetoric.
The letter states that Hamilton’s selection “creates and amplifies a significant platform for promoting anti-transgender bigotry in our community.”
Since the letter’s release, some of its signatories have received hostile emails with anti-LGBT+ language. Moreover, anti-trans social media accounts have shared personal contact information and workplaces of some signers.
Hobbs and Gedlinske emphasized in another public statement that it is unacceptable for the Women’s Fund of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation to remain silent while supporters of their chosen speaker harass, mock, threaten, and dehumanize the residents and supporters they are supposed to serve.
According to new data from the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health 2023 Annual Report, social polarization, especially on LGBTQ+ issues, is linked to some of the mental health challenges facing youth today. The report revealed that nearly 50% of LGBTQ+ youth have seriously contemplated suicide.
Furthermore, a 2023 study by NEW Mental Health Connection and the Medical College of Wisconsin, assessing the mental health and well-being of residents in Calumet, Winnebago, and Outagamie counties, found that LGBTQ+ individuals are three times more likely than non-LGBTQ+ individuals to report having attempted suicide at least once in their lifetime.
The report noted that “acts of violence, isolation through language that negates identities and experiences, and anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ legislative actions” contribute to a dehumanizing experience. These factors are unique to the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in the Fox Valley.
Growing Anti-Trans Attitudes Continue to Impact State Legislatures
Trans issues have long been a contentious political topic in the United States, with nearly 20 states recently enacting laws specifically barring athletes from competing on teams that do not correspond with the gender assigned to them at birth.
In 2023, there was a significant increase in anti-trans legislation, with 503 bills introduced and 85 passed, more than triple the amount in the previous two years.
As of the first quarter of 2024, Wisconsin alone has introduced 11 anti-trans bills. Over the past year, GOP state lawmakers have proposed various bills addressing trans issues, including one that would have prohibited doctors from treating youth undergoing gender transition.
In October, Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled Legislature passed a bill restricting the participation of transgender youth and college students in sports teams, but it was not ratified by the Senate.
Given Democratic Governor Tony Evers’ commitment to opposing any legislation that restricts the rights of LGBTQ+ people, it is unlikely that such bills will become law in Wisconsin.
Ramos emphasizes the importance of organizations’ choices in including people in empowerment discussions, given the social impact and mental health issues at stake.
“I really want people to look at the bigger picture and understand what’s at risk for the LGBTQ community, especially trans individuals and transgender children,” Ramos said. “It’s too easy to look at this particular situation and accuse the LGBTQ community of overreacting. It’s just a small part of a much larger battle.”
Sophia Voight covers Fox Valley elections and local government. She can be reached for comments and story ideas at [email protected]. Natalie Eilbert, writing for the Wisconsin-based USA TODAY NETWORK, focuses on mental health topics. For those experiencing suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 988, or text “Hopeline” to the crisis text line at 741-741.
