Who’s Standing Up for Maine’s Girls?
Watching Fairness Fade in Maine
This week, my state made headlines. Here’s why it matters to my daughter and me.
Today, my governor, Janet Mills, turned Maine into a national punchline—and my social media feed proves it’s tearing us apart.
This isn’t just political theater—it’s a reflection of the deep divisions and passionate opinions that affect our community.
Earlier today, President Trump and Governor Mills clashed over Maine’s decision not to enforce the executive order meant to keep biological males out of girls’ sports. Governor Mills made it clear that Maine would not comply, even going as far as to announce plans for legal action, “see you in court.”
President Trump responded by saying he looked forward to the upcoming courtroom showdown.
Despite Maine’s liberal reputation, President Trump pointed out that he performed well in our state—a claim supported, at least in part, by the way Maine allocates its electoral votes. Maine awards one electoral vote per congressional district, with the remaining two going to the statewide winner. This system has allowed him to capture the ME-2 vote in the past three presidential elections, suggesting that even in a state known for its progressive leanings, many voters appreciate his message. As I scroll through my own social media feed, I find that a significant number of Mainers echo this sentiment.
Governor Mills, however, has decided that this is the fight she’s betting Maine’s reputation on. Her stance on the executive order has not only ruffled feathers at the national level but also stirred up intense debate here in Maine.
Amid all the political posturing, my attention turns to what truly matters: who is standing up for our girls? I’m not interested in rehashing the morality of transgender issues or casting judgment on individuals. My focus is on the real-life consequences these policies have for our girls.
Take my ten-year-old daughter, for example. She’s an enthusiastic participant in sports. Her favorite sport is cross country. Although she might not have won the genetic lottery in terms of raw athletic ability, she gives every race her all—always with a smile and determination. I am proud of her for doing her best. She doesn’t need to win any titles.
She’s also come to understand that the rules won’t guarantee a level playing field. She’s seeing how girls can be denied their championship titles, just like this week, when a biological male won the girls pole vault title. Having spent her early years playing co-ed tee-ball, she’s learned that males are often stronger and faster. This isn’t just an abstract debate to her—it’s a reality that affects how she views fairness and competition.
This brings me to a question for those backing Governor Mills: What would you say to a young girl who loses a state championship title to a biological male? What if that young girl were your daughter? What happens if girls stop participating in sports because it will never be fair? Title IX was meant to give girls a fair shot, so how does this uphold its promise?
My daughter isn’t the only one watching. Gen Z and Gen Alpha girls are watching and they are seeing who is fighting for them and who remains silent.