Newsom Opposes Trans Women in Female Sports Competitions \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender, used the debut episode of his new podcast to oppose allowing transgender women and girls to compete in female sports. Speaking with conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Newsom called the issue a matter of fairness, a stance that puts him at odds with many LGBTQ+ advocates and progressive Democrats. His comments come amid growing national debate over transgender rights in sports and broader cultural issues.
Gavin Newsom’s Stance on Transgender Athletes: Quick Looks
- Breaks from Progressives – Newsom says allowing trans women in female sports is “unfair.”
- Podcast Debut with Charlie Kirk – The discussion marks a shift in Democratic messaging.
- Backlash from LGBTQ+ Advocates – Equality California and lawmakers criticize his stance.
- California Law Still Protects Trans Athletes – Schools must allow participation based on gender identity.
- 2028 Presidential Ambitions? – Newsom’s comments reflect post-election Democratic recalibration.
Deep Look
Newsom Takes a Stand on Transgender Athletes
California Governor Gavin Newsom, often seen as a progressive leader and potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, surprised many when he spoke out against allowing transgender women and girls to compete in female sports.
His comments came during an hour-long conversation with conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, a group instrumental in increasing youth support for Donald Trump. Kirk, a staunch opponent of transgender participation in women’s sports, pressed Newsom on the issue—prompting a definitive response from the governor.
“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 stated on his podcast, This is Gavin Newsom.
“I am not wrestling with the fairness issue. I totally agree with you. … I revere sports. So, the issue of fairness is completely legit.”
Political Recalibration After Trump’s 2024 Victory
Newsom’s comments come amid internal Democratic debates over the party’s 2024 election loss, in which Trump reclaimed the White House and Republicans gained control of Congress.
While Democrats traditionally focus on economic policies and social justice, some party strategists believe that cultural issues like transgender sports participation have cost them votes.
Polls suggest widespread opposition to allowing transgender female athletes to compete in women’s sports:
- 70% of Democrats oppose it, according to a New York Times/Ipsos poll (January 2024).
- A 2023 Gallup poll found Democrats were split on whether trans athletes should compete based on gender identity.
Newsom, a long-time champion of LGBTQ+ rights, appears to be repositioning himself on key cultural issues, possibly eyeing a 2028 presidential run.
Fierce Backlash from LGBTQ+ Advocates
Unsurprisingly, Newsom’s comments drew swift criticism from LGBTQ+ rights organizations and Democratic lawmakers.
“Sometimes Gavin Newsom goes for the Profile in Courage, sometimes not,” said California Assemblyman Chris Ward and state Senator Carolina Menjivar, leaders of the state’s LGBTQ+ legislative caucus.
Tony Hoang, executive director of Equality California, condemned Newsom’s stance, saying it “added to the heartbreak and fear” transgender individuals already feel.
“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,” Hoang said. “They need leaders who will unequivocally fight for them.”
California Law Still Protects Trans Athletes
Despite Newsom’s comments, California law still requires schools to allow transgender students to compete based on gender identity—a policy enacted before Newsom became governor.
Republican lawmakers in California have introduced bills to ban transgender participation, but these proposals are unlikely to pass in the heavily Democratic Legislature. Newsom’s office declined to comment on whether he would support such legislation.
Trump’s Strategy: Transgender Issues as a Political Weapon
Donald Trump and Republicans have aggressively used transgender issues to rally conservative voters, portraying Democrats as out of touch with mainstream America.
During the 2024 campaign, Trump attacked Vice President Kamala Harris for supporting transgender rights, promising to:
“Get transgender insanity the hell out of our schools”
“Keep men out of women’s sports”
Trump’s campaign even ran ads declaring:
“Kamala is for they/them. President Trump is for you.”
Since returning to the White House, Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from schools that allow trans athletes to compete. He recently declared victory after the NCAA adopted a new rule barring trans women from women’s sports—a policy shift influenced by Republican pressure.
Newsom acknowledged the effectiveness of these attacks, telling Kirk:
“Boy, did I see how you guys were able to weaponize it.”
Kirk pushed back, saying Republicans weren’t “weaponizing” the issue, but merely “highlighting” it.
Newsom’s Attempt to Soften His Comments
Despite his firm stance on fairness in sports, Newsom tried to balance his remarks by acknowledging the struggles faced by transgender people.
“There’s also a humility and a grace that these poor people are more likely to commit suicide, have anxiety and depression, and the way that people talk down to vulnerable communities is an issue that I have a hard time with.”
His statement suggests that he still supports broader transgender rights—but his emphasis on sports fairness signals a shift in rhetoric.
A Contrast to Newsom’s Past LGBTQ+ Advocacy
Newsom’s new position marks a stark contrast to his earlier LGBTQ+ activism.
In 2004, as San Francisco mayor, he made national headlines by ordering city clerks to issue same-sex marriage licenses—a bold move that helped lay the groundwork for national legalization.
His actions led to a landmark 2008 California Supreme Court ruling in favor of same-sex marriage, paving the way for nationwide recognition in 2015.
His break from progressives on transgender sports is, therefore, a significant shift in his political approach.
What’s Next?
With 2028 presidential speculation already swirling, Newsom’s strategic repositioning on key cultural issues like transgender rights in sports may be part of a broader effort to appeal to moderate voters.
While he remains a staunch supporter of LGBTQ+ rights overall, his stance on athletics and fairness could signal a new Democratic approach to hot-button social issues post-2024.
Whether this helps or hurts his political ambitions remains to be seen.
Newsom Opposes Trans Newsom Opposes Trans
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