California Governor Gavin Newsom, once a darling of LGBTQ+ rights, is facing a fierce reckoning after cozying up to far-right pundit Charlie Kirk and agreeing that trans women in sports are “deeply unfair.” In his debut podcast episode, Newsom nodded along to Kirk’s anti-trans talking points, lending credibility to a narrative often weaponized by the right to erase transgender people from public life.
Newsom, who once championed marriage equality and LGBTQ+ protections, now finds himself on the receiving end of condemnation from activists, politicians, and advocacy groups. Equality California and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) swiftly blasted his remarks as a betrayal of the transgender community, particularly at a time when extremist lawmakers are targeting trans rights with increasing aggression.
A Governor’s Words, A Community’s Betrayal
During his chat with Kirk, Newsom—who once framed himself as a progressive warrior—didn’t hesitate to align with the conservative firebrand. “I completely agree with you on that,” he said when Kirk railed against trans women and girls competing in women’s sports. Newsom, who played varsity baseball, claimed the issue was one of “fairness,” echoing rhetoric that has been a cornerstone of the right’s assault on trans inclusion.
But for the LGBTQ+ community, his words weren’t just disappointing—they were dangerous. Advocacy groups pointed out that Newsom’s remarks played directly into the hands of extremists who have long sought to erase trans athletes from competition entirely. “This is not the time for political calculations,” HRC president Kelley Robinson fired back. “When LGBTQ+ lives are under attack, real leaders don’t hedge—they fight.”
2028 Ambitions or a Political Miscalculation?
It’s no secret that Newsom has been testing the waters for a 2028 presidential bid, and some suspect his latest pivot is a strategic calculation amid Democratic concerns over “culture war” politics. With former President Donald Trump reclaiming the White House and right-wing attacks on trans people escalating, some centrist Democrats have suggested softening stances on LGBTQ+ issues to appeal to moderate voters.
Polling reflects the challenge: while a majority of Democrats support transgender rights broadly, many remain conflicted over trans inclusion in sports. A recent Gallup poll found Democrats nearly evenly split on whether trans athletes should compete according to their gender identity. Newsom, it seems, is trying to walk a fine line—but in doing so, he’s alienating the very community that once saw him as a champion.
History Won’t Forget Those Who Waver
Despite Newsom’s long track record of supporting LGBTQ+ rights—expanding gender-affirming healthcare access, mandating gender-neutral bathrooms, and opposing book bans—his latest remarks have left many wondering if he can be trusted to stand firm when it truly matters.
Equality California’s executive director, Tony Hoang, minced no words: “Transgender kids—like all kids—deserve the chance to play sports alongside their teammates. We are profoundly disappointed and angered by Governor Newsom’s comments.”
Meanwhile, California’s LGBTQ+ caucus slammed Newsom for legitimizing the right’s relentless attacks. “Sometimes Gavin Newsom goes for the Profile in Courage, sometimes not. We woke up profoundly sickened and frustrated by these remarks,” said California Assemblyman Chris Ward and state Sen. Caroline Menjivar.
With Trump openly declaring war on transgender rights and promising sweeping anti-LGBTQ+ policies, the stakes have never been higher. The LGBTQ+ community is watching, and they won’t forget who stood by them—or who wavered.