Transgender adults showed up to swim — not to make headlines, but to find community, health, and joy. Now, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing U.S. Masters Swimming just because two trans women competed at the Spring Nationals event in San Antonio.

Let that sink in: a grown-up swim meet, where athletes from all walks of life come together, is now the target of a state lawsuit because it dared to include trans participants. Paxton called their presence “insane” and accused the organization of misleading the public — simply for letting people race in their correct gender category.

This lawsuit isn’t about fairness. It’s about fear and control. It sends a chilling message to every trans person trying to live openly and safely: you’re not wanted, not even in the water.

But we do want them here. We believe trans people belong — in San Antonio, in sports, and everywhere. That’s why we’re calling on Ken Paxton to drop this cruel and unnecessary lawsuit and stop targeting trans swimmers just trying to live their lives.

Let people swim. Let people belong.