Governor Gavin Newsom faced backlash from the LGBTQ+ community after hosting conservative activist Charlie Kirk on his podcast and agreeing that transgender athletes participating in women’s sports is unfair. During the hour-long conversation, Kirk criticized the Democratic Party’s support for transgender athletes, prompting Newsom to agree that it is an issue of fairness. The Human Rights Campaign criticized Newsom’s stance, warning against betraying vulnerable communities in pursuit of a possible presidential run.
Newsom’s statement marks a shift from his past support for LGBTQ+ rights, as seen during his time as Mayor of San Francisco when he allowed same-sex couples to marry. California law currently allows transgender athletes to compete on teams that align with their gender identity.
The controversial podcast episode has sparked debate and protests, with some student demonstrators at Cal State Northridge expressing disappointment in Newsom’s stance. Critics argue that Newsom’s alignment with Kirk is a political move, while supporters of Kirk’s “American Comeback” tour crowded the campus quad.
As the backlash continues, it remains to be seen how Newsom’s relationship with the LGBTQ+ community will evolve and how it may impact his political future. The controversy surrounding his podcast appearance with Kirk has raised questions about where Newsom’s priorities lie and how he will navigate these complex social issues in the future.
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