Gavin Newsom Just Threw Trans Athletes Under The Proverbial Bus
Speaking with far-right activist Charlie Kirk, Newsom criticized trans women’s participation in women’s sports, a stance that has stunned progressives.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has stunned progressives by calling the participation of transgender women in women’s sports “deeply unfair,” a move that has drawn immediate criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and fellow democrats.
Newsom made the comments on the debut episode of his podcast, This is Gavin Newsom, in a conversation with far-right activist Charlie Kirk. While the discussion covered a range of political topics, Kirk pressed Newsom on whether he believed trans women should be allowed to compete in female athletics.
“I think it’s an issue of fairness,” Newsom responded. “I completely agree with you on that. It is an issue of fairness—it’s deeply unfair.”
Newsom’s remarks stand in stark contrast to his longstanding reputation as a progressive leader on LGBTQ+ rights. As San Francisco mayor in 2004, he famously ordered city officials to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, setting off a legal battle that ultimately helped pave the way for nationwide marriage equality.
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More recently, as governor, he signed legislation making California a sanctuary state for gender-affirming care, standing in direct opposition to red-state bans on transgender medical treatment.
For many, his decision to echo conservative talking points on trans inclusion in sports represents a significant departure from his past positions. State Senator Scott Wiener, a leading LGBTQ+ advocate in California, called Newsom standing with Kirk on the issue “profoundly disturbing,” particularly given Newsom’s history of championing queer rights.
“The Governor has had many courageous moments over the decades supporting LGBTQ people,” Wiener said in a statement. “This is not one of them.”
Newsom’s willingness to engage with Kirk—who has built a brand on attacking LGBTQ+ rights—signals that he may be attempting to broaden his appeal ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run.
Despite any strategic considerations, the backlash to Newsom’s comments has been swift and fierce. Equality California, the state’s largest LGBTQ+ rights group, issued a statement saying it is “profoundly disappointed and angered” by Newsom’s comments.
“Right now, transgender youth, their families, their doctors, and their teachers are facing unprecedented attacks from extremist politicians who want to eviscerate their civil rights and erase them from public life. In this moment of crisis, they need leaders who will unequivocally fight for them,” the organization said.
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It continued: “Instead of standing strong, the Governor has added to the heartbreak and fear caused by the relentless barrage of hate from the Trump Administration.”
California State Assembly member Alex Lee wrote on Bluesky: “WTF. Trans people and LGBTQ+ people are under attack. We don’t need our gov caving to conservative talking points that further hurt and scapegoat 1% of the population.”
It remains to be seen whether Newsom will double down on his stance or attempt to clarify his remarks in response to the growing backlash. Was it an off-the-cuff comment that needs another pass, or a signal that Newsom is willing to entertain conservative narratives in the hopes of gaining votes?
Regardless of his intent, the trans community is going through enough right now and shouldn’t have to add Gavin Newsom to the “people making life worse” group. It’s big enough as it is.
