Trans athlete’s mom gives powerful speech following match boycott: ‘My daughter is not the problem’

The mother of transgender volleyball player AB Hernandez has powerfully spoken out after a girls’ team reportedly refused to play against her daughter. 

AB Hernandez, who has been the focus of protests outside Jurupa Valley High School, in California, was set to face Riverside Poly High School on 15 August along with the rest of her team. 

However, Riverside Poly opted to forfeit the game rather than play against Hernandez, saying a statement: “We understand this is disappointing for our athletes, families and supporters, and we appreciate the community’s understanding. We remain committed to providing a safe, positive environment for all student-athletes throughout the season.”

Parents told Fox Digital that the game was forfeited because of Hernandez’s inclusion, but the players themselves did not make the decision.

Amanda Vickers, a member of the Riverside Unified School District board, said: “There is a difference between biological girls and biological boys. And, tonight, the girls of Riverside Polly High School [are] not going to end up like Payton McNabb.”

Vickers’ comment refers to a 2022 incident in which former high school volleyball player McNabb was struck in the head by a ball returned by a trans opponent, which she claims left her with permanent brain damage.

‘This has nothing to do with fairness in sport’

In response to the cancellation of the match, parents, including Hernandez’s mother, Nereyda, attended a meeting with the school board. 

“You are a board member. You have an oath to protect, to support all children, not just the ones that fit your ideas, your beliefs,” Nereyda said. “My daughter is not the problem. The problem is co-ordinated external efforts often led by individuals [who] travel from district to district… to spread fear and put parents against each other, using religion as a shield for discrimination.

“This has nothing to do with fairness in sport and everything to do with erasing transgender children.”

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