FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2025
CONTACT:
Malkia Hutchinson, National Center for Lesbian Rights | 202-734-3548 mhutchinson@nclrights.org
NCLR Responds to Governor Gavin Newsom’s Comments on Transgender Athletes
NCLR is deeply disappointed by recent comments about transgender student-athletes by Governor Newsom, which appeared designed to pander to the hateful political scapegoating of transgender people rather than to engage this issue in a thoughtful or responsible way. This is particularly disappointing given Governor Newsom’s long record of supporting equality and helping the public recognize the humanity of LGBTQ people and their families.
“Across this country there is an all-out attack on transgender people through discriminatory executive actions, as well as state and federal policy.” said Imani Rupert-Gordon, President of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. “Right now, transgender kids are being criminalized for who they are, and it’s disappointing to see Governor Newsom turn his back on the LGBTQ community during one of the most critical times in our fight for equity.”
We all want sports to be fair and student athletes to be safe. That’s why school districts and sports associations make rules about who can participate in different sports at different levels across a range of issues, including in California. Participating in sports teaches important values like perseverance, dedication, self-assurance, and teamwork. We should want more young people to play sports, not put up additional barriers for girls hoping to participate in sports wherever they may be in this country.
We appreciate efforts to find common ground and build bridges across political divides. But trafficking in false stereotypes and misinformation about a vulnerable minority does not further those goals and is simply wrong. California has a long and proud history of protecting the rights of LGBTQ people. Governor Newsom’s harmful comments not only betray that legacy, they also betray the many families who count on him to protect all children in this state.
The governor holds an inordinate amount of power and his words carry weight. We sincerely hope that going forward Governor Newsom will use his power responsibly to support the freedom and dignity of all young people including those who are transgender. And that rather than pandering to hate, he will use his power to stop it.
