Gavin Newsom transgender sports

California Governor Gavin Newsom has made headlines by expressing his opposition to transgender women competing in women’s sports at the youth level. His stance diverges from the typical Democratic position and unexpectedly aligns with former President Donald Trump, who centered this issue in his 2024 campaign. “This is about fairness,” Newsom stated on his podcast This is Gavin Newsom, aired on March 6.

A Shift in Newsom’s LGBTQ+ Advocacy

Long known as a champion of LGBTQ+ rights, Newsom is considered a potential Democratic candidate for the 2028 presidential race. His recent remarks mark a departure from his previous progressive positions.

President Joe Biden, on the other hand, signed an executive order on March 5 restricting transgender athletes’ participation in women’s competitions. This directive includes measures to cut federal funding for schools that permit their involvement.

Newsom’s Perspective on Fairness in Sports

During the first episode of his podcast, Newsom engaged in a conversation with conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, a prominent voice among young right-wing audiences. When Kirk asked if he opposed “men in women’s sports,” Newsom responded: “I agree with you, it’s a fairness issue. It’s fundamentally unfair.”

A former college baseball player and a father of two daughters, Newsom emphasized the significance of fair competition. However, he also criticized conservatives for “exploiting the issue” before moderating his remarks, acknowledging that they had “brought attention to an important debate.”

A Heated Debate in the U.S.

Transgender rights remain a divisive topic in the United States. Donald Trump leveraged the issue in his campaign, vowing to overturn what he called “the transgender ideology.” During his presidency, he implemented policies restricting transgender individuals’ rights, including banning them from the military and prohibiting their participation in women’s sports in educational institutions.

Balancing Fairness with Empathy

Despite his concerns about fairness, Newsom also acknowledged the struggles faced by transgender individuals. “We know these individuals are at a higher risk of suicide, anxiety, and depression,” he stated during his podcast.

A study by the Williams Institute at UCLA estimates that around 1.6 million people in the U.S. aged 13 and older identify as transgender.