Opinion: Senator Overcash, you know me. Why are you erasing me?

Dear Senator Overcash: 

I shouldn’t need to re-introduce myself to you, but I’m Paige Sullivan. I’m a native and lifelong resident of North Carolina. I’m also transgender and a former classmate of yours. We shared the same public school hallways for 12 years. We had many of the same teachers, though never in the same classroom at the same time. 

I write to you today, standing up not only for myself, but thousands of transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary, intersex North Carolinians, and families with transgender children. Since we already know each other, let’s keep this casual. 

Brad, what are you doing? I was shocked when I saw your name on this bill. You were always a go-getter in school, but I never thought you’d put your name on a bathroom bill like SB 516. Have you considered the implications of the bills you have sponsored? 

Can you all please explain to us how a person with a beard and a deep voice, who’s been on testosterone, belongs in the women’s room? What protections would you offer a transgender woman who is forced to use the men’s room? What will happen when a woman needs to access a men’s room to help her elderly father? There are many other scenarios to consider, and this bill will hurt many people. 

Secondly, why is there a restriction on changing our birth certificates and driver’s licenses? Is that a personal dig at me, perchance? It’s no one’s business, especially the government’s, what’s between our legs. On top of that, you have no idea how the transition process works. For me, it has taken the better part of 20 years. I’ve had doctors conduct psychological evaluations relating directly to my gender identity  over the course of a few years. I’ve been on estradiol injections for 12 years. I’ve had five surgeries. You don’t just walk into a clinic and have reassignment surgery. 

Okay, let’s move on to SB 227. By banning DEI programs, you’re not eliminating bias, but codifying it. Students deserve to learn the full scope of American history, including the lives of Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and immigrant communities. Silencing these narratives doesn’t protect kids—it denies them the tools to understand the world they’re growing up in. 

We went to overwhelmingly “white” schools, but you had at least three racial minorities in your graduating class. Maybe you should ask them what they think of this bill. Explain to them that because they are a racial minority, other kids shouldn’t learn about their history or struggles for freedom and equal rights. 

What’s the real reason? Brad, I know you are better than this. Stand on the right side of history. Don’t let party politics close your eyes to the harm these bills will cause. Think of your Christian beliefs. Would Jesus stand for this? I invite you to read Matthew 25:34-35, Luke 14:13, and the many teachings that call us toward justice and mercy. I’m not asking you to change overnight. I’m asking you to listen, to remember who I am, and to lead with compassion. 

We were taught in civics class that we are equal—did you forget that? Would you like me to contact some of our former teachers to provide a refresher course on the foundational documents of our country and state? I know one who would do it in a heartbeat for you. 

Brad, you and I learned the same lessons about fairness, equality, and civic responsibility. I’m not asking for a debate. I’m asking for humanity. You may not accept my meeting request, but I hope you’ll receive this: Laws like SB 516 and SB 227 harm real people. And now, you still have the chance to choose compassion over cruelty.