In a stunning reversal of his long-standing reputation as a champion of LGBTQ+ rights, California Governor Gavin Newsom has aligned himself with radical right-wing anti-LGBTQ+ hate in the ongoing debate over LGBTQ+ rights— specifically with regards to transgender athletes in women’s sports. During a recent episode of his podcast, “This Is Gavin Newsom,” the governor echoed the rhetoric of co-host and pro-Trump ideologue Charlie Kirk, declaring that allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports is “deeply unfair.” Kirk, who has a long history of Nazi sympathizing and was linked to helping bus in rioters to storm the Capitol on January 6th, said he was surprised Newsom agreed with him regarding his anti-LGBTQ+ position.
Notably: many Holocaust museums have warned that this rising anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric mirrors the hate that led up to the rise of Nazi Germany.
“Before 1933, Germany was a center of LGBT+ community and culture, with several renowned organizations serving and supporting trans and gender non-conforming people. Hitler’s Nazi government, however, brutally targeted the trans community, deporting many trans people to concentration camps and wiping out vibrant community structures. ” via the Museum of Jewish Heritage — A Living Memorial to the Holocaust
Newsom’s remarks have sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, many of whom view his comments as a betrayal of the progressive values he has long espoused. State Senator Scott Wiener, a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in California, called the governor’s stance “profoundly disturbing,” while the state Legislature’s LGBTQ Caucus expressed being “sickened and frustrated” by his remarks.
This moment is not just a political misstep; it is a stark reminder of the fragility of hard-won rights in the face of rising conservative backlash. For the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, Newsom’s capitulation to right-wing talking points must serve as a rallying cry to reaffirm our commitment to trans liberation and to hold elected officials accountable for their actions.
A Betrayal of Progressive Values
Newsom’s alignment with Kirk, a notorious bigot and Trump supporter, is particularly galling given the governor’s history as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights. In 2004, as mayor of San Francisco, Newsom made national headlines by officiating same-sex weddings at a time when they were illegal in California. His actions were seen as a bold stand for equality and justice, earning him the admiration of progressives across the country.
But now, as he positions himself as a potential presidential contender, Newsom appears to be sacrificing the rights of transgender individuals on the altar of political expediency. His comments on the podcast reflect a troubling willingness to pander to conservative voters at the expense of marginalized communities.
“Charlie Kirk is a vile bigot, and standing with him on this issue is profoundly disturbing,” Wiener said in a statement.
The Broader Context of Anti-Trans Backlash
Newsom’s remarks come amid a nationwide assault on transgender rights, spearheaded by Republican lawmakers, conservative activists, and white supremacist extremist groups like the Proud Boys and Patriot Front. In recent years, states across the country have introduced and passed legislation targeting transgender individuals, from banning gender-affirming healthcare for minors to restricting participation in sports.
At the federal level, Senate Democrats recently blocked a Republican-backed bill that would have banned transgender women and girls from participating in women’s sports at federally funded schools. While the bill’s failure is a temporary victory, it underscores the ongoing threat to transgender rights.
Kirk, during his conversation with Newsom, claimed that public opinion overwhelmingly supports the Republican position on transgender athletes. “You guys are giving us an 80-20 issue,” he said. Newsom’s response—that Democrats are “getting crushed” on the issue—reveals a disturbing lack of conviction in the face of right-wing propaganda.
A Call to Action for the LGBTQ+ Community and Allies
In the wake of Newsom’s betrayal, the LGBTQ+ community and its allies must respond with clarity and resolve. This is not the time for silence or complacency; it is a moment to recommit to the fight for trans liberation and to demand accountability from our leaders.
1. Hold Elected Officials Accountable: Newsom’s comments are a reminder that even self-proclaimed allies can falter under pressure. The LGBTQ+ community must continue to push back against any attempts to compromise on trans rights, whether from Democrats or Republicans.
2. Amplify Trans Voices: The voices of transgender individuals must be centered in this conversation. Too often, discussions about trans rights are dominated by cisgender politicians and pundits. It is essential to listen to and uplift the experiences and perspectives of trans people, particularly trans women of color, who face disproportionate levels of violence and discrimination.
3. Build Solidarity Across Movements: The fight for trans rights is inextricably linked to broader struggles for racial, economic, and social justice. By building coalitions with other marginalized communities, the LGBTQ+ movement can strengthen its resistance to oppressive policies and create a more inclusive vision of society.
4. Challenge the Narrative: Newsom’s comments reflect a broader effort by conservatives to frame transgender rights as a threat to fairness and safety. It is crucial to challenge this narrative by highlighting the benefits of inclusion and the harm caused by exclusion.
Moving Forward with Hope and Resolve
While Newsom’s remarks are disheartening, they also serve as a reminder of the power of collective action. The LGBTQ+ community has faced countless challenges over the years, from the AIDS crisis to the fight for marriage equality. Each time, we have emerged stronger and more united.
As we confront this latest setback, let us draw inspiration from the resilience of those who came before us. Let us honor their legacy by continuing to fight for a world where every individual, regardless of their gender identity, can live with dignity and respect.
Newsom’s betrayal is not the end of the story; it is a call to action. Together, we can ensure that the rights of transgender individuals are protected and that no one is left behind in the struggle for justice and equality.
