California Governor Gavin Newsom recently expressed controversial views about transgender women participating in women's sports during an episode of his newly launched podcast, "This is Gavin Newsom." Known as a steadfast advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and having gained national attention for issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2004 as Mayor of San Francisco, Newsom’s recent remarks appear to mark a shift from his previous positions, prompting a significant backlash.
Newsom's comments emerged during a discussion with conservative commentator Charlie Kirk from Turning Point USA. Kirk referenced an incident in California involving a high school transgender athlete winning a girls' triple jump competition. In response, Newsom stated that allowing transgender women to compete in women's sports is fundamentally a "deeply unfair" issue and emphasized fairness as a crucial concern.
Additionally, the governor shared his perspective on a political issue related to Vice President Kamala Harris and her previous stance on gender-affirming care for incarcerated individuals, expressing surprise and dismay at Harris' lack of response to a critical campaign advertisement by former President Trump's campaign.
These comments quickly attracted criticism from within Newsom's own party, with the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus publicly denouncing the governor's stance as harmful and "anti-transgender." Democratic legislators Assemblymember Chris Ward and State Senator Caroline Menjivar issued a joint statement expressing profound disappointment and frustration, accusing Newsom of inconsistency when it comes to supporting transgender individuals.
Similarly, prominent LGBTQ+ advocacy organization Equality California voiced its dissatisfaction, stating they were "disappointed and angered" by the governor's remarks. The organization highlighted concerns that Newsom's words could further contribute negatively to existing national tensions and ongoing legislative efforts believed to undermine the rights of transgender individuals nationwide.
Despite the growing controversy, Newsom's official social media presence continues promoting the podcast with enthusiasm, underscoring his conversation with opposite political voices like Charlie Kirk.
12 Comments
Habibi
Supporting transgender rights doesn't mean overlooking fairness. Governor Newsom nailed this.
ZmeeLove
Happy to see Newsom bringing Democrats back toward common-sense positions on women's sports.
Muchacho
Acknowledging biological differences doesn't equal hate; we need to have nuanced conversations like this. Thanks Governor.
Coccinella
Newsom’s words are hurtful and contribute to harmful misinformation.
Africa
A rare moment of rationality. This isn't transphobia, it's simply acknowledging reality.
BuggaBoom
Respect to Governor Newsom for stepping out of partisan boundaries and addressing common-sense concerns.
Loubianka
Glad to see someone saying what many parents and athletes have been thinking but afraid to voice.
Katchuka
Wasn't expecting transphobia from our own governor—he needs to apologize, educate himself, and do better.
Noir Black
Happy to see Newsom bringing Democrats back toward common-sense positions on women's sports.
KittyKat
Respect to Governor Newsom for stepping out of partisan boundaries and addressing common-sense concerns.
Eugene Alta
Shame on you, Gavin Newsom. Trans women athletes deserve respect and inclusion, not further stigma.
Karamba
Newsom is right— it's about fairness and common sense, not politics or ideology.