California Gov. Gavin Newsom is under fire from queer advocates after comments he made about transgender student-athletes on the debut episode of his podcast, This is Gavin Newsom. In a conversation with far-right figure Charlie Kirk, Newsom called transgender women competing in sports “deeply unfair,” echoing language commonly used by conservatives opposing trans inclusion. LGBTQ advocacy groups, including Equality California and the Human Rights Campaign, swiftly condemned his remarks, calling them a betrayal.
During the interview, Kirk pressed Newsom on the issue, and the governor responded, “It is an issue of fairness, it’s deeply unfair… I revere sports. So, the issue of fairness is completely legit.” LGBTQ leaders argue that these remarks fuel anti-trans rhetoric at a time when attacks on trans rights are escalating. California lawmakers in the LGBTQ caucus also rebuked Newsom, with Assemblyman Chris Ward and State Senator Carolina Menjivar stating they were “profoundly sickened and frustrated” by his words.
A spokesperson for Newsom later defended his record on queer rights, pointing to his efforts to protect gender-affirming care and inclusive policies. However, activists insist that these comments undermine trans youth.
