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California Governor Gavin Newsom, a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, has surprised many by criticizing Democratic policies on transgender athletes in female sports. In the first episode of his new podcast, This is Gavin Newsom, he called the participation of trans athletes in women’s sports "deeply unfair."
Newsom's Controversial Comments on Trans Athletes
During his conversation with Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of former President Donald Trump, Newsom expressed concerns about fairness in female college and youth sports.
“I think it’s an issue of fairness, I completely agree with you on that. It is an issue of fairness — it’s deeply unfair,” Newsom said.
He acknowledged that transgender individuals face significant mental health challenges, including higher rates of depression and suicide. However, he agreed that Republicans had successfully highlighted this issue in political campaigns, making Democrats appear out of touch with public opinion.
Newsom Distances Himself from Progressive Policies
Newsom’s discussion with Kirk covered multiple hot-button issues, including police funding, cancel culture, and the use of gender-neutral language. He distanced himself from using pronouns and the term "Latinx," called defunding the police “lunacy,” and acknowledged leadership problems within the Black Lives Matter movement.
He also criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for failing to address attack ads about her support for taxpayer-funded gender transition surgeries for detained immigrants. Newsom admitted that the ads were politically damaging.
Reaction from the Transgender Community
Many in the transgender community have expressed disappointment with Newsom’s remarks. Manny Anthony Romero, a transgender woman who previously voted for Newsom, felt that the governor used trans athletes as a political talking point.
“It’s all a diversion from the real issues we need to tackle,” Romero said. “Cost of living, housing, immigration, unemployment, and inflation should be the focus instead of targeting transgender individuals.”
Romero and others in the LGBTQ+ community worry that Newsom’s comments are an attempt to appeal to conservative voters as he prepares for a potential 2028 presidential run.
Republican Response to Newsom’s Comments
Conservatives have welcomed Newsom’s statements as a validation of their concerns. Many Republican leaders argue that allowing transgender women to compete in female sports is unfair and undermines the integrity of women’s competitions.
Newsom acknowledged that Democrats were struggling with this issue politically. “We’re getting crushed on it. Crushed. Crushed,” he admitted.
A Shift in Newsom’s Political Strategy?
Newsom has long been a champion of progressive causes, but this podcast episode paints a different picture. By engaging in a friendly discussion with Charlie Kirk, he appears to be moderating his stance on certain issues.
His comments reflect a broader debate about balancing inclusivity with fairness in sports. As more states introduce laws restricting transgender participation in women’s sports, Newsom’s position signals a potential shift in Democratic messaging on this issue.
Conclusion
Gavin Newsom’s remarks on transgender athletes in female sports have ignited a nationwide debate. While some see his comments as a necessary discussion on fairness, others feel betrayed by his stance.
With growing political pressure on this issue, it remains to be seen how Newsom and the Democratic Party will navigate the controversy in the future.
