California Gov. Gavin Newsom stirred controversy on Thursday by expressing his belief that it is “deeply unfair” for transgender women and girls to compete in female sports, marking a sharp departure from the stance held by most of his fellow Democrats. His comments, made during a 71-minute interview on his new podcast, This Is Gavin Newsom, drew both criticism and support as he addressed the contentious issue of trans inclusion in athletics.
Newsom’s remarks, made in a conversation with conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, focused on the fairness of allowing transgender athletes to compete on teams that align with their gender identities. Newsom’s stance is in contrast to longstanding Democratic support for trans inclusion in school sports.
Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, challenged Newsom during the interview by asking whether he would denounce the participation of a transgender high school athlete in California, who recently won the triple jump at a track meet. “Would you say no to men in female sports?” Kirk asked.
Newsom replied, “I think it’s an issue of fairness, I completely agree with you on that. It’s deeply unfair.”
The governor, a Democrat who has long been associated with progressive policies on LGBTQ+ rights, clarified that while he agreed with Kirk on the fairness issue, he also sympathized with the struggles of transgender individuals. “These poor people are more likely to commit suicide, have anxiety and depression,” Newsom said. “The way people talk down to vulnerable communities is an issue that I have a hard time with as well.”
He added that transgender inclusion in sports should be approached with “humility and grace,” acknowledging the difficulty of balancing fairness concerns with the well-being of transgender individuals.
Newsom’s comments come at a time when the debate over transgender athletes has gained national attention. Just days before Newsom’s podcast appearance, Democrats in the U.S. Senate voted unanimously to block a bill that would have banned transgender girls and women from competing in women’s sports in any federally funded athletic program, including public schools.
Though Newsom did not specify whether he believes trans inclusion in sports is unfair at all levels of competition, his remarks suggested that he sees the issue as particularly problematic at certain competitive levels. He did not respond to a request for further clarification.
The conversation continued as Kirk made inflammatory remarks about the state of trans issues in America, calling the “trans stuff” “an affront to all of our senses” and decrying what he described as “chemical castration” of minors. He claimed that Americans were increasingly opposed to what he characterized as the overreach of LGBTQ+ rights in youth sports and medical care.
Newsom responded, “I think we have to be more sensitized to that,” but did not engage deeply with Kirk’s inflammatory rhetoric.
The conversation also touched on polls that reveal a divided public opinion on policies related to transition-related care for minors. One 2022 poll by Pew Research Center showed that 46% of Americans supported laws restricting gender-transition care for minors, while 31% opposed such laws. Other polling has found significant opposition to medical interventions for younger transgender individuals, such as puberty blockers or hormone treatments.
Newsom, while not delving into the specifics of these policies, acknowledged the heated nature of the debate. He also commented on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, noting that more must be done to support these communities.
Kirk also referenced the Cass report, an independent study commissioned by England’s National Health Service, which concluded that the medical evidence for transition-related care for minors was weak. Newsom acknowledged that he was not an expert on the issue but emphasized the need for careful and thoughtful discussions on the matter.
Newsom’s comments have sparked backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates, particularly those in his own party. California Assemblymember Chris Ward and State Senator Caroline Menjivar, both members of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, expressed their frustration with the governor’s remarks. They issued a statement saying they were “profoundly sickened and frustrated” by Newsom’s position, arguing that the governor’s views could undermine protections for transgender students in California.
Ward and Menjivar referenced California’s 2013 law, which allows transgender students to participate in school sports based on their gender identity. The law has been a landmark policy aimed at ensuring inclusion for transgender students, and many LGBTQ+ advocates argue that Newsom’s recent comments could signal a shift away from such protections.
Despite the criticism, Newsom has a long history of supporting LGBTQ+ rights. As mayor of San Francisco in 2004, he famously defied state law by issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. In recent years, he has signed laws protecting transgender minors and ensuring access to gender-affirming care in California.
During the podcast, Newsom also discussed a California law he signed that prohibits schools from disclosing a student’s gender identity or sexual orientation to parents without the student’s consent. This law, which aims to protect LGBTQ+ students’ privacy, has drawn criticism from conservative groups like Kirk, who argued it restricts parental rights.
Newsom’s interview has left many wondering whether his stance on transgender athletes represents a shift in his political approach, as he navigates the complex intersection of LGBTQ+ rights and public opinion. As the debate over transgender inclusion in sports continues to unfold, Newsom’s comments have added fuel to the fire, particularly in California, a state known for its progressive policies on LGBTQ+ issues.
As the issue continues to be debated, Newsom’s position remains a point of contention within both his party and the broader political landscape.
