California Governor Gavin Newsom sparked intense backlash from Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates after agreeing with conservative activist Charlie Kirk that transgender athletes competing in women’s sports is “deeply unfair” during the debut episode of his new podcast. This marked a sharp departure from his long-standing support for LGBTQ+ rights, including his historic 2004 decision as San Francisco mayor to legalize same-sex marriage.
– Newsom called the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports a “fairness issue,” citing physical advantages and Republican success in “weaponizing” the topic politically. He admitted Democrats “get crushed” on the issue in polls.
– The California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus condemned his remarks as “profoundly sickening,” arguing transgender participation in sports hasn’t been problematic since state protections began in 2013. LGBTQ+ activists accused Newsom of abandoning vulnerable communities for political gain.
– Critics highlighted the irony of Newsom making these comments alongside Kirk, a polarizing figure known for anti-trans rhetoric, while California continues defying Trump’s federal ban on transgender athletes in women’s sports.
Newsom’s shift is widely seen as an attempt to moderate his image ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run. Analysts noted he’s courting centrist and conservative voters by addressing issues where Democrats face widespread public skepticism. However, the move risks alienating his progressive base, with Rep. Seth Moulton and others warning against “betraying vulnerable communities” for electoral advantage.
The backlash underscores deepening Democratic divisions over transgender policies, particularly as Republicans amplify stories like a transgender athlete’s record-setting 40-foot long jump in California. While Newsom emphasized compassion for transgender individuals’ mental health struggles, his critics argue his rhetoric legitimizes harmful stereotypes.
