Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Stance on Transgender Athletes in Sports Sparks Outcry Among Democratic Allies

California Governor Gavin Newsom, once hailed as a progressive champion of LGBTQ+ rights, is facing fierce criticism after publicly aligning with a stance long embraced by conservative politicians: opposing transgender girls and women competing in female sports.

The uproar began when Newsom appeared on a widely circulated podcast hosted by right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk. In the interview, the Democratic governor took a firm position against trans inclusion in girls’ athletics, stating, “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.”

Those remarks—widely interpreted as a betrayal by many in his own party—have ignited a firestorm of outrage from LGBTQ+ advocates, Democratic lawmakers, and civil rights groups. Critics say Newsom’s rhetoric mirrors the very arguments used to marginalize and legislate against transgender youth nationwide.

Equality California, the state’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, didn’t mince words. In a pointed statement, the group responded, “This is not about fairness in sports—it is about erasing trans people from public life.” Activists warn that such messaging from a high-profile Democrat could legitimize anti-trans policies and give cover to conservative lawmakers pushing discriminatory bills.

The controversy lands at a politically charged moment. The U.S. Department of Justice has recently filed a lawsuit against California over the state’s refusal to ban transgender athletes from school sports teams that align with their gender identity. The federal complaint argues that inclusive policies disadvantage cisgender girls by ignoring so-called “undeniable biological differences.” California officials, including Newsom, have so far rejected those demands, insisting on upholding anti-discrimination laws.

Still, the mixed messaging has left many confused—and angry. Though the governor’s office called the lawsuit’s framing “dramatic, fake, and completely divorced from reality,” Newsom has stopped short of clearly and unequivocally backing the rights of trans student-athletes.

For LGBTQ+ advocates, that hesitation feels like more than just political fence-sitting—it feels like abandonment. Trans youth, already grappling with elevated risks of depression, bullying, and suicide, now face the added burden of hearing their existence questioned by a governor they once considered an ally.

Some Democrats are worried the damage could be long-lasting. With the 2026 midterms looming, party insiders fear Newsom’s comments could fracture progressive unity and alienate key voting blocs that see trans rights as non-negotiable.

As the legal battles play out and national scrutiny intensifies, California remains a battleground—not just over sports policies, but over the soul of Democratic values when it comes to LGBTQ+ inclusion. Advocates are demanding clarity, accountability, and above all, a return to a politics that puts trans youth first.