California Governor Gavin Newsom recently stirred controversy by expressing his views on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. In a podcast episode with conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, Newsom described the participation of transgender women in women’s sports as an issue of fairness that needs to be acknowledged.
The discussion took place during an hour-long interview where the two explored the challenges facing the Democratic Party, particularly after recent Republican victories in national elections. Newsom, known for his strong support of LGBTQ+ rights, found common ground with Kirk, who highlighted this topic as a potential vulnerability for Democrats. Newsom stated, "The issue of fairness is completely legit, so I completely align with you, and we’ve got to own that."
This statement drew immediate backlash from some members of the LGBTQ+ community. Assemblymember Christopher M. Ward, who chairs the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, expressed his frustration, calling Newsom’s comments "profoundly sickening." He emphasized that the focus should not be on a small number of transgender athletes but rather on the pressing issues that affect all Californians.
During the interview, Kirk referenced a recent legal case involving the San Jose State women’s volleyball team, where players attempted to remove a transgender teammate from the roster, highlighting the ongoing debates around this issue.
While Newsom agreed with Kirk on the fairness aspect, he also criticized Republicans for what he sees as their attempt to "weaponize" the issue. He pointed out that transgender individuals make up a small percentage of athletes and deserve compassion rather than hostility. Newsom noted the mental health struggles many in the transgender community face, emphasizing the need for empathy.
This podcast episode is part of a broader strategy by Newsom to expand his national profile as he eyes a potential run for the presidency in 2028. He has previously launched other podcasts and plans to release a new book later this year.
The conversation around transgender athletes is increasingly prominent in American politics, and Newsom’s comments signal a significant moment in the ongoing debate about inclusion and fairness in sports.