Gavin Newsom breaks with Democrats on trans athletes in sports

[madville]

This discussion thread was locked by EarlG (a host of the General Discussion forum).

Looks like someone is positioning themselves as the moderate/centrist for a 2028 run…..

“California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a pioneer for LGBTQ+ rights who decades ago upset leaders in his own party when he defied state law and issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples, suggested Democrats were in the wrong in allowing transgender athletes to participate in female college and youth sports.

“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,” Newsom said in his debut podcast episode of “This is Gavin Newsom.” “I am not wrestling with the fairness issue. I totally agree with you.”

Newsom also agreed that the most politically destructive attack ads from Trump’s campaign featured Kamala Harris’ support for providing taxpayer-funded gender transition-related medical care for detained immigrants and federal prisoners.

“She didn’t even react to it, which was even more devastating,” Newsom said, suggesting upward of 90 percent of Americans disagreed with Harris’ position. “Then you had the video [of Harris] as a validator. Brutal,” Newsom added. “It was a great ad.”



https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/06/gavin-newsom-breaks-with-democrats-on-trans-athletes-in-sports-00215436

[SocialDemocrat61]

1. Guess he's running in 28

[Celerity]

208. A NYT/Ipsos poll in January found 67 percent of Dems believed transgender women shouldn't compete against other women.

94 per cent of Rethugs, 64 per cent of indies, and 79 per cent of the total responded the same way.

Newsom appears to be playing to the majority opinion, at least for that poll.

https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/a66cc1cd29a9ea2c/41386e22-full.pdf

Also, the NCAA, last month, banned transgender athletes from competing in women's sports that it oversees.

NCAA announces transgender student-athlete participation policy change

https://www.ncaa.org/news/2025/2/6/media-center-ncaa-announces-transgender-student-athlete-participation-policy-change.aspx

Men's category open to all eligible student-athletes, women's category restricted to student-athletes assigned female at birth, schools directed to foster welcoming environments on all campuses.

Today, the NCAA announced the Board of Governors voted to update the Association's participation policy for transgender student-athletes following the Trump administration's executive order. The new policy limits competition in women's sports to student-athletes assigned female at birth only. The policy permits student-athletes assigned male at birth to practice with women's teams and receive benefits such as medical care while practicing. This policy is effective immediately and applies to all student-athletes regardless of previous eligibility reviews under the NCAA's prior transgender participation policy.

"The NCAA is an organization made up of 1,100 colleges and universities in all 50 states that collectively enroll more than 530,000 student-athletes. We strongly believe that clear, consistent, and uniform eligibility standards would best serve today's student-athletes instead of a patchwork of conflicting state laws and court decisions. To that end, President Trump's order provides a clear, national standard," NCAA President Charlie Baker said.

The Board of Governors also directed staff to help all member schools foster respectful and inclusive collegiate athletic cultures. Following student-athlete leadership direction, the NCAA recently updated its Mental Health Best Practices. The NCAA requires all schools to make mental health services and resources available to all student-athletes consistent with the Mental Health Best Practices.

snip

[AZSkiffyGeek]

212. I didn't realize that civil rights were subject to majority opinion

[Celerity]

222. Tell that to Newsom and the Dem voters in our party who agree with him. Plus the NCAA. The Rethugs will exploit it

as much as they can, they will spend hundreds of millions of dollars pushing this issue again, in order to try and defeat us electorally again, both in 2026 and in 2028.

We need to come up with messaging (your use of 'civil rights' is a good framing start) that helps to defeat the Rethug agitprop on this issue, or it is going to unfortunately likely work again.

[kelly1mm]

227. There are only so many 80/20 issues you can be on the wrong side of and still be a viable

national candidate.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

228. Hey at least DU is reminding me why I've been scarce since the election

It’s lots of fun watching my rights get trampled because it’s politically expedient. Can’t play sports. Can’t get medical care. Can’t get a passport.
And my supposed allies are all-in on that because it’s a losing issue.

[Quiet Em]

235. Being for Civil Rights of transgender people as well as all people is not on the wrong side

It's ludicrous there have even been polls on this. The only reason this became an issue is because of bigots like Matt Walsh, Charlie Kirk and Leon pushing their bigotry on Leon's cesspool X. This is not something that concerns the majority of the public no matter how they word their polls. People aren't sitting around discussing this around the dinner table, while out with friends, or visiting their relatives at the holidays. It's a non issue and transgender people aren't harming anyone. Bigots like Kirk, Walsh and Musk are harming transgender children and people. Musk has done considerable harm to his own relationship with his daughter. This does not need to be a National issue and Newsom should not be chatting with the likes of Kirk and falling for and elevating his bigoted, harmful talking point.

[kelly1mm]

236. Gov Newsom is of the opinion that the most effective GOP ad against VP Harris was the 'transgender prisoners'

this past November. I don't think it is just a nothingburger as you suggest.

[Quiet Em]

239. Well, he's right that bigotry against transgender people worked on many voters

but so did bigotry against women and bigotry against everyone who is not a white male (DEI). Is Newsom going to appease them on those rights too?

[AZSkiffyGeek]

271. Cool story

What TERF did you hear that from?

[JohnSJ]

2. Newsom is my Governor and that's fine, but I sure as hell am not in favor of him as our nominee for President if there

is an election in 2024, and it isn't because of what the OP is talking about. In my view he plays too many political games, and we have a lot of potential candidates who IMHO are more direct and down to earth.

[travelingthrulife]

4. He does but he is also a hard fighter for us. Fights like a Republican.

Isn't that what we are always saying we want?

Unlike the GOP, I think the stuff he does is done legally.

[JohnSJ]

8. Yes, he walks the walk, but it is a mixed record on delivering. He sure isn't a Jerry Brown. Regardless, I just think

there are a lot of other candidates that can be very competitive in purple states.

That being said, if the sociopath and his thugs continue in the course they are going, we could put up Mickey Mouse and probably win, especially if the economy and unemployment has a sharp downturn.

Personally I think there is a real possibility for a real depression, not a recession. Cutting programs that people desperately need, and causing inflationary prices on essentials like food and energy.

We will see of course, and I wouldn't put anything past the stupidity of the American public.

[ObamaKerryDem]

32. Well, he backed down on this one. N/t

[AZSkiffyGeek]

171. Attacking a vulnerable minority certainly is fighting like a Republican

As is giving Charlie Kirk a platform.

[SocialDemocrat61]

19. There was an election in 2024

and democrats lost.

[ObamaKerryDem]

29. Totally agree. I don't see him winning the EC. N/t

[Walleye]

3. I don't understand why we can't just leave this up to the individual school districts and the sports leagues

It has become a big national issue because Magas think transgender ism is icky. It certainly has nothing to do with protecting girls sports, I remember when they were vehemently against equal funding for girls sports when title nine was first implemented. They have selective amnesia.

[Johnny2X2X]

6. This is the correct way to handle it

No two cases are the same. Pass a law giving the individual districts some protections to make their own decisions.

Such a niche issue because it's so rare. Here in Michigan, there was 1 trans athlete competing in sports at the high school level, they were doing so without incident. Last year, there were 0.

It's a rare issue. 99% of the time it happens, it's still not an issue. So we're talking about passing laws for the 1 or 2 incidents in a natrion of 340 million people that some people take exception to.

Newsome is taking this away as a wedge issue, it's simply not thqat huge of an issue to lose votes over.

[Walleye]

41. I worry about the girls who don't appear feminine enough for these people

[Johnny2X2X]

51. I do too

It's already happening some places.

They're literally taking a hand full of cases nationwide, or even globally, and trying to make it seem like this is happening everywhere. Like every school district is in danger of some 6-10, 250 pound boy basketball player showing up to girl's basketball practice one day and just deciding they're a girl and dominating girl's basketball to the tune of 60 points and 50 rebounds a game, There's literally like 3 or 4 cases total that gave some people pause. Some people took issue with that D2 swimmer (several years back). There was an MMA fighter (over a decade ago). And maybe a coupe other issues that seemed problematic to most people. That's it.

[Walleye]

55. It's totally prejudice. They took issue with Brittany Greiner, who has many pictures of herself in the yearbook playing

Girls high school sports growing up. She’s tall and she has a deep voice, but she was born a girl, what is wrong with these people? I’m sure the guys that aren’t that masculine either take a lot of shit from these people. We shouldn’t tolerate it.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

203. One of the biggest things that drove me to come out last summer...

Was the horrible treatment of the North African boxer at the Olympics.

[Iris]

207. Many female athletes have no problem with trans women being part of their sport

This bs comes from men who disregard the ability do women to accommodate and work in community to find solutions.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

292. To be fair, there's some women too

JK Rowling being the loudest among them.

[Ace Rothstein]

16. It has become a big issue as it is a winning issue for Republicans.

Something around 70% of the country thinks trans girls should not play girls sports. They'll continue to use this to win elections.

[Walleye]

45. Democrats didn't push this issue. That's the Republican story. They're the ones who get freaked out.

[kelly1mm]

58. They know a winning culture war issue when they see it. Democrats at best counter with 'it's complicated'. nt

[Walleye]

92. And they make a dirty word out of our slogans

[RobinA]

126. Plus, A Scientific

explanation of why it's complicated. This is not a girl of boy issue with some people born with differences. I don't think most people realize that, because it is largely hidden for understandable reasons. There needs to be a talk about this for educational purposes without naming names.

[kelly1mm]

137. Oh I agree! Democrats will drone on and on about the science and how it is complicated, which it is. However

70-80% of Americans don't buy the argument and have the attention span of a gnat so don't even listen to why it's complicated. As another poster pointed out, 30 seconds of watching Lea Thomas is enough for them.

[Ace Rothstein]

74. It's bait for Democrats.

They are getting us to shoot ourselves in the foot.

[Walleye]

87. I think that's more like it

[EdmondDantes_]

166. Republicans did the same with same sex marriage right up until suddenly it didn't work

I think our response shouldn't be to just surrender on protecting the rights of some the most vulnerable in our society. The Harris campaign didn't respond effectively on the issue, but that doesn't mean it can't be handled better.

[BannonsLiver]

24. I agree but I doubt that solution would be popular with those who disagree with Newsom.

[Walleye]

46. Why would Newsome even do this Republicans? Don't like him they never will.

[BannonsLiver]

53. It might have something to do with the information contained in Post 17

[RobinA]

119. This Makes Me Laugh

everytime I read about them screeching over trans girls in girls sports. Which incidently I am not in favor of, but suddenly MAGAs are all rah rah, girls sports. Yeah, right. And it CERTAINLY isn't a subject to crash the country over. Yeah, let's vote for an avowed dictator because the other side wants trans girls to play girls' hockey. The priorities

[Omnipresent]

153. The Right used this as a wedge issue last fall before the election.

People i would talk to would always say, “I don’t like men competing in women’s sports”. This was a running theme, that was so eerie that I felt I was living in the Twilight Zone.

[Walleye]

174. Yes, they are all like that. It really is like an old sci-fi movie.

[mjvpi]

187. Thank you!

[calguy]

42. I also agree

We shouldn’t touch this issue with a ten foot pole. These petty issues get us killed in so many districts, election after election.

[Walleye]

48. I'm not OK with Republicans treating our congresswoman like shit because she's transgender

[Walleye]

57. I agree with all that. But they are also insulting democracy, and the whole state of Delaware, which voted her in.

We knew who she was. There’s no deception here. She served in the state legislature first, all elected positions. Once again, no respect for the people.

[Walleye]

60. I keep remembering a line from a Sherlock Holmes story

And was something like, “these megalomaniacs always get so much more chatty when they feel they have the upper hand”

[Walleye]

47. People should remember a Republicans were totally against equal funding for girls sports when title nine was implemented

[Voltaire2]

82. and women's rights issues were 'unwinnable'. nt.

[Walleye]

85. Exactly

[Demovictory9]

90. I understand your point. But GOP were able to take issue and make it seem like dems dont agree that make female bodies

The argument that..1. "Only impacts a few" differs from 2. "Trans women have no advantage"


Paints Dems in a corner..

[Patton French]

99. What is Gavin right about?

I don't think he's right at all on this issue.

[Ms. Toad]

105. Per EarlG,advocating for banning trans women from women's sports

Is a violation of the DU TOS.

[Ms. Toad]

111. If he visits DU,

And advocates for banning trans women from women's athletes, his post should be removed by a jury because it violated the TOS.

No one said a thing about banning him.

DU is not just a free-for-all. There are rules about what can no posted here, and EarlG expressly forbade anti trans bigotry, including against trans athletes.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/101312142

[Ms. Toad]

133. Yes. Did you follow the link?

It is one of two of his statements on the issue.

ETA -sorry - my link is in a different post in this thread. Here it is https://www.democraticunderground.com/101312142

[totodeinhere]

183. But recognizing that advocating for Trans rights can hurt the chances of Democratic election victories on a

national level I think is legitimate.

[Ms. Toad]

192. There is a difference between choosing which of many issues

To actively advocate for, and advocating against. Newsom choose the latter.

Advocating against the rights of trans athletes is not permitted, so if that is the argument Newsom, or anyone who supports him wants to make, DU is not the place for it

[Voltaire2]

79. All civil rights issues like this are initially 'unwinnable'

The way we win is by standing up and demanding that all people be treated equally, with dignity and respect.

[alarimer]

134. I agree.

It's not winnable. But I am in the minority of Democrats on this issue and that's all I'll say.

[Quixote1818]

157. Agree nt

[RoeVWade]

7. I've said before Democrats weren't really prepared for the complexities of the issue, and got hornswoggled by rightwing.

Republican/bigots will still go too far on the issue, making trans people non-entities instead of just addressing some issues as best as possible.

But it is a balance issue. You have to balance some rights here between some groups. Somewhat like what happens with religions. You can allow religious beliefs up to a point where they start conflicting with other people's beliefs or lack of it.

[Walleye]

50. The right wing also had people convinced that Democrats want to perform abortion after birth. They don't care how stupid

[Emile]

10. Is this the centrists view?

[Johonny]

14. The centrist view is

Massive government overreach. Small government conservatism states, let the leagues figure out their own path forward. The government should only get involved when a clear bias is displayed. Trans athletes have existed since the seventies. There are only a handful at anyone time.

Yes some people feel trans-women (no one ever seems to give a shit about trans-men) playing is unfair. But we heard that about blacks playing in baseball 70 years ago. How did that turn out?

[Walleye]

52. I don't think they believe trans men exist. They are offended by the idea that a man would want to be a woman.

[LeftInTX]

103. Trans men in men's sports would not be perceived as having a hormonal advantage in sports.

Hence, they aren't getting picked on.

However, would a trans man playing in women's sports have an advantage? Oh well.....

The Olympics may have something to say about trans men competing in women's sports.
I don't even know how their rules work. I'm not gonna lose sleep over it.

Went down a bit of a rabbit hole and this was about all I could find. But it seemed to focus on women who were born with DSD, which opens a totally different issue.
https://www.voanews.com/a/sex-eligibility-rules-for-female-athletes-are-complex-legally-difficult/7734365.html

[Mosby]

287. Some states are pretty consistent with their anti-trans views.

Why a 14-year-old boy is outlawed from playing on his golf team

https://www.golfdigest.com/story/luc-esquivel-transgender-high-school-sports-ban-tennessee

[AZSkiffyGeek]

215. This

TERFs think trans men are just confused tomboys. Trans women are deviants coming for their children.
But apparently that's okay, because we've got elections to win.

[RobinA]

130. Trans Men

are not likely to have an advantage in men's sports.

[Melon]

285. I struggle with this

Because we can see multiple examples in sports where a trans female was absolutely advantaged. If a low level nba male transitioned for a year she would complete dominate woman’s basketball. You see it in male to female rugby players. There is a physical difference.

[Self Esteem]

26. This is the right-wing view.

[SheltieLover]

11. What's with him the past few days?

[cilla4progress]

12. Dont take the bait!

How hard is it to come up with a non-answer answer that will placate the hordes but leave you room to negotiate?

[UpInArms]

13. Seems like his friendship with Charlie Kirk is paying off

[TheProle]

17. From NYT/Ipsos

https://static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics/documenttools/f548560f100205ef/e656ddda-full.pdf

[The Revolution]

18. This

Even among Democrats this is a losing issue.

[TheProle]

20. It provides context for the notion that he is "breaking with Democrats" on this issue

[Jose Garcia]

40. Almost all Democrats in Congress and Democratic governors are in favor of

allowing transgender females to play in girls/womens sports.

Congressman Seth Moulton is an exception, and took a lot of heat for it: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbsnews.com/amp/boston/news/seth-moulton-trans-athletes-democrats/

[TheProle]

44. Which begs the question whether they are reflecting the attitudes of their constituents

[AZProgressive]

107. The issue to prohibit trans women from sports is close to the line of gender discrimination

I think most of those Democrats are actually following federal law. There are a lot of issues that constituents may not be in favor of but are constitutionally protected.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

168. If these transphobes would just come out and say they don't think trans women are women

I'd respect them a little more. Not much, mind you, but at least they'd be being honest in their bigotry and not using 10 trans girls as a political football.
But they're cowards, pretending concern while spewing right-wing pseudoscientific bullshit and blaming trans folx for Harris losing.

[Jose Garcia]

185. Do believe that Governor Newsome is Transphobic?

[AZSkiffyGeek]

186. He doesn't support womens' rights to compete in sports with their gender

Figure it out yourself. It's not that hard.

[Jose Garcia]

184. I'm not too sure how clear the law is on this issue

Title IX was passed in 1972, when the idea of transgender females playing in girls/womens sports was pretty much unthinkable. The law may need to be changed to be more specific.

[Jose Garcia]

180. Sounds like a delegate vs. trustee issue

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trustee_model_of_representation#:~:text=These%20'trustees'%20have%20autonomy%20to,the%20beliefs%20of%20their%20constituents.

[BannonsLiver]

22. Thanks for posting

[IA8IT]

21. Just like that, toss the good wait for the perfect.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

169. Were you supporting your governor taking away my rights this week?

Because it sounds like you support Newsom doing it.

[IA8IT]

204. Choice of Newsom or Reynolds? Newsom every damn day.

[Hekate]

288. In what way did Gov. Newsom "take away" your rights? Or did he just express himself awkwardly ...

…or say something you disagreed with? Have the laws of my state changed? Did something slip thru the legislature, or is something coming up as a proposition on the next ballot?
I’ll be on the lookout if you let me know.

[tritsofme]

27. Which Democrats is he breaking with? Sounds like a position firmly in the mainstream of the Democratic Party.

[ObamaKerryDem]

28. Ugh! Beyond disappointing.

Newsome was a favorite of mine but I am very disappointed to see him parroting right wing framing on this. Especially since he likely accepted money and endorsements from LGBTQ advocacy groups during his campaigns. This is not allyship.

Also what is he doing having a podcast, during a time of great crisis in his state?

[ObamaKerryDem]

35. I'm sorry but I'm willing to die on a hill...

..if that means standing up for marginalized groups. What if we’d had this attitude about other civil rights issues?

This isn’t just about sports, either. Trump’s rhetoric has put a moving target on an already very vulnerable community’s back, opening them up to be a target for more hate crimes and harassment. And Newsome has just effectively co-signed it.

[calguy]

49. Well, you certainly died on that hill last November

How does it feel to be ‘morally right’, but with republicans controlling all three branches of government, and taking a fucking wrecking ball to your morally right position. Who wins in the end with transgender persons being literally erased from society.

[BannonsLiver]

33. Prediction: He won't be the only 2028 candidate that stakes out a position on this that DUers don't agree with.

There will be more.

[ObamaKerryDem]

36. And I will be happy to oppose them in the primary. N/t

[unblock]

37. Speaking as the parent of a high school trans girl,

I will agree this is not an issue worthy of national debate given the tiny number of people it actually affects.

Having said that, this is not the way to deal with questions, telling republicans you're right and the democratic response is bad and the republican ad was great. Ffs.


If we do have to get sucked into debates on this topic,
we need to have a unified response to bigotry. If there's any crap given to women or *any* minority, we should always make the issue about freedom and fairness for all americans.

Americans don't want coaches or government officials inspecting their genitalia, Americans don't want to have to carry around their birth certificate to go to the bathroom or enter a sporting event, Americans don't want to get into arguments with other parents trying to disqualify their kid because they deem her Adam's Apple too prominent.

I guarantee that where girls are banned from women sports, there will be more false accusations than valid ones simply because the number of asshole parent far outnumber the rather rare trans women athletes. And Americans don't want those arguments.

Etc.

If we allow them to divide and conquer, they win. Don't let them pick off one minority group at a time or otherwise divide us. All hate is an attack on all Americans. That's a far more powerful frame.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

110. I would think that the tiny number affected are Trans Women athletes

[MichMan]

39. Wonder when people are going to be able to spell his name correctly ? n'/t

The OP had it right

[DSandra]

88. The party has to be taken over by AOC and Bernie. It has no hope, especially with Americans distrusting the party...

so much. It stands for nothing but political positioning.

[get the red out]

61. I hope that means he's running!

I think he would be a good candidate. We need to preserve what will be left of Democracy by then.

[Mountainguy]

62. You can't take the 20%

On an 80-20 issue and expect to do well on it electorally.

Electoral victory IS the point. As we should have learned you can't play for a moral victory.

You have to decide if its more important to support a Democrat who will support a ban on Trans girls playing female sports vs giving Republicans ammunition to win and pass laws that ban trans girls.

[Yavin4]

69. Or, you can avoid the issue altogether. Or, focus entirely on populist progressive issues.

Stop giving in to Republicans.

[Mountainguy]

75. Its going to be an issue

And silence on it will just mean Republicans get to define your position for you.

[Yavin4]

84. How many people in all of America are impacted by this issue vs. How many people are impacted by rising rents?

vs. How many people are impacted by the cost of healthcare?
vs. How many people are impacted by the cost of education?
vs. How many people are impacted by the cost of transportation?
vs. How many people are impacted by the cost of food?
vs. How many people are impacted by the lack of jobs?
vs. How many people are impacted by stagnant wages?
vs. How many people are impacted by the abandonment of Ukraine?
vs. How many people are impacted by the loss of standing in the world?
vs. How many people are impacted by protectionist tariffs?

[Yavin4]

96. Show me the data that says that she lost because of that ad.

I genuinely want to see any credible data saying that it swayed people to vote against her.

[Mountainguy]

101. Literally everyone with a daughter

Or granddaughter, niece, etc.

There is a massive underestimating on the number of people who see this as an important issue.

[Yavin4]

102. Where's the evidence?

Your feelings are not evidence. Where's the evidence?

[Mountainguy]

109. The millions Republicans spend

Attacking democrats on the issue.

And that money is working to both win elections and shape public opinion.

https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/02/26/americans-have-grown-more-supportive-of-restrictions-for-trans-people-in-recent-years/

[AZSkiffyGeek]

165. Massive number of transphobic bigots

Fixed it for you.

[Mountainguy]

243. And there is the massivd oversimplification

Of these issues that people fallback on.

[Quiet Em]

63. There are a total of 8 transgender athletes participating in college sports.

Eight. So why is Gov. Newsom falling for the Republican bullshit that this is some sort of huge national issue. Republicans are bigots and use this issue to stir fear in other bigots.

As far as children in K-12, unless the child is in an all boy or all girl school, that child has most likely participated in a co-ed sport.

This is a non-issue based completely in bigotry and nobody is being harmed.

Any Democrat who runs on bigotry does not and will not get my support.

[Yavin4]

72. AMEN!!!!

This is nothing more than an attack on the progress that the entire LGBTQ community has made over the years.

[SARose]

98. Thank you

Sadly, a majority of Americans are unaware we are talking about 8 people. Eight in all of the NCAA.

Why are we fighting over a teeny tiny amount of human beings? I shut up my MAGA family raging about this issue when I remind them that we are ALL created in God’s image. “Short, fat, big and tall the Lord above made us all.” Or “ parody: “Pink and purple, green and blue, / Jesus loves the Martians, too.” 😉

American values are not now and should never be fodder for culture wars, in my opinion.

[DSandra]

142. When the fuck did anyone care about Shaquille O'Neal or Michael Phelps having an unfair advantage in sports?

It's all bullshit meant to attack a vulnerable minority.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

114. And there are a lot of bigots here willing to go along with the Republicans on this issue

Apparently my civil rights are up for negotiation with Democrats while the Republicans are taking away my rights to travel, get health care, and have legal documents that reflect my gender. At least the Democrats in the Senate showed some spine and defended trans kids' rights. Although apparently that's upset some "Democrats" here....

[BannonsLiver]

141. What coed sports are in K12?

[Quiet Em]

145. In my area kids play co-ed youth soccer.

And they play co-ed sports games often in gym classes in K-12.

[BannonsLiver]

146. Ah okay, that makes sense.

I thought you were talking about high school sports - golf, hoops, football etc.

[yardwork]

64. That ad played constantly on NC.

It was devastating and I don't know how she could have responded to it, really.

[BannonsLiver]

68. It also played extensively during football games.

And what do people do when football is on TV? They gather to watch the games in groups. They react to the game, and they also react to political commercials. And then they start talking amongst themselves about the commercials. That dynamic amplified the effectiveness of the ad.

[Tom Rinaldo]

67. The fundemental question is: Why do Women and Men compete seperately?

If it is for social/cultural reasons, then transgender women should be allowed to compete in "women only" events. If it is for physiological reasons, that reflect gender based biological differences that affect athletic performance, then the matter becomes scientific at root.

I am not well versed on the facts as they relate to this matter. I don't know to what, if any, extent a transgender woman retains male physiology, after fully transitioning, that might give her a biological performance edge over those who are female from birth.

It is foolish to ignore that, in our culture at least, women compete in "leagues of their own" primarily because, in most coed match ups, men (in general) have a physiological competitive advantage over women. Women are not legally barred from competing along side men in professional sports, but they rarely do so. When they do, it is often in very specific roles, such as pitchers in baseball, or kickers in football for example. Far as I know the NBA, for example, has no provision preventing women from playing on its teams. But the WNBA provides an arena where women can excel in that sport

I am open to considering scientifically based arguments for disallowing transgender females from participating in competitive women's sports. In other areas of life however, I believe treating them as anything other than female is blatant discrimination. As an obvious example, transgender women should never be forced to use Male public bathrooms.

[MichMan]

175. Most all major Women's basketball teams practice against male players

What I find strange is that for the purposes of Title IX, the men in the practice squads are actually counted as being female athletes.

[yardwork]

97. The sports issue is the problem.

Americans revere men's sports. Women fought long and hard to be allowed to play sports at all, and thanks to Title IX (which most Republicans also hate), they finally got equal funding and the opportunity to play a wide range of sponsored sports.

I can understand why people don't like the idea of some individuals having an unfair advantage on women's competitions.

I think there are ways to handle this that protect everybody's rights, and I think those solutions were in process.

Unfortunately, the Republicans seized on this as a wedge issue, blew it up way out of proportion, used it to pick on a tiny minority of vulnerable people (the vast majority of whom aren't playing sports anyway), divided Democrats, and basically turned it into a shit show, which is what they do to win elections.

[LeftInTX]

120. Yep

[DSandra]

81. No wonder why California hasn't said anything about protecting trans people... Doublecrossing Newsom

Newsom has decided to throw trans people under the bus. It's NOT about just sports and trans children. This is a proxy war (like Ukraine with Russia and the West) meant to attack all trans people and eventually gay people and women, it's all about re-enforcing traditional gender roles and the patriarchal hierarchy, and taking away freedom and independence from women and "gender deviants" who have the audacity to want a life beyond being subjugated by the patriarchy.

[Blue_Adept]

95. At least we know the first group he'll sacrifice to win

I'm sure there will be more beyond that.

Never getting my primary vote and wouldn't get my general election vote either.

[LexVegas]

100. Newsom...under the bus! nt

[AZSkiffyGeek]

205. Transgender folx.... Under the bus!

[JT45242]

104. There are international doping rules to address this ..

I have a trans niece. With her puberty blockers she has lower testosterone than girls her age by orders of magnitude.

Just apply the same rules. Just make rethuglican people understand the cost of testing ALL high school and college athletes.

[LeftInTX]

117. Oh that's interesting. I have no knowledge of hormone levels due to puberty blockers.

[JT45242]

193. Yep -- she is a very talented runner and my Brother in law was talking to me about the numbers and rules

Of course, if Mango Mussolini has his way then the puberty blockers will be banned and then I don't know what will happen.

She started this process at about the age of 7. Not sure when the medical interventions happened. But theer were serious emotional and educational issues as a "bad boy" that bea=came manageable when she became a girl.

[Blasphemer]

106. Seriously? I won't vote for anyone more concerned about their political future...

Than the hellscape we are living through. When someone shows you their true self, believe it.

[Self Esteem]

112. Newsom's discussion with Kirk was awful and way worse than just breaking with Dems on this issue.

On Thursday, California Governor Gavin Newsom launched his new podcast, This is Gavin Newsom. His first guest? Notorious anti-LGBTQ+ extremist Charlie Kirk. The episode covered a wide range of grievances Kirk and other far-right activists have with Newsom, touching on topics from Black Lives Matter to COVID policies. However, the issue of transgender rights surfaced repeatedly. At one point, Newsom stated he was "completely aligned" with Kirk on transgender participation in sports. He also appeared to express agreement with restrictions on medical care for incarcerated transgender people and limits on gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth.

The conversation first turned to transgender athletes when Charlie Kirk referenced a transgender athlete in California, stating, "You, as the governor, should step out and say no, no." Newsom responded, "Right… I think it’s an issue of fairness. I completely agree with you on that. It’s deeply unfair," later adding, "Boy did I see how you guys were able to weaponize that issue." Kirk pushed back, insisting he wasn’t "weaponizing" the issue. Newsom quickly walked back his comment, replying, "You’re right… highlight." He then later said that he “agreed” with Charlie Kirk that it was not right transgender athletes should play and that he was “completely aligned” with Charlie Kirk on this issue, blaming a law put in place before he became governor: “It turns out in 2014, years before I was governor, there was a law established that established the legal principles that allow trans athletes in women’s sports. The issue of fairness is completely legit. I completely align with you, we have to acknowledge it.”

At the close of the podcast, Charlie Kirk shifted the discussion to transgender healthcare, stating, "I encourage you to learn about the butchery that is happening under chemical castration in this state. The American people are overwhelmingly against it." Newsom responded, "Yeah. I think we have to be more sensitized to that."

Kirk continued, "Youth should be off limits, you might be right on deportations, I know I’m right on this," to which Newsom simply acknowledged, "Yeah." Kirk then cited the Cass Report—a widely criticized and legally discredited review used to justify bans on transgender healthcare in the UK—as evidence that gender-affirming care for youth should be prohibited. Newsom offered no pushback, replying, "I’m not an expert on this, but I appreciate your broader [point]."

https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/ca-gov-gavin-newsom-completely-aligns

[AZSkiffyGeek]

245. Erin Reed is a must read for trans issues nt

[BannonsLiver]

113. If 70 percent of Democrats agree with Newsom (See Post 17) is he breaking with them?

[Blue_Adept]

115. It wasn't even 20 years ago that was the number for marriage equality.

Leaders lead with what's right, they don't sacrifice minority groups.

[BannonsLiver]

122. Thanks for the data.

[AZJonnie]

118. Official DU policy is that XY persons who identify as female must be allowed to play XX sports

Last edited Thu Mar 6, 2025, 07:48 PM - Edit history (1)

And to argue otherwise is in direct violation of the plainly stated DU Terms of Service:

For your information, our definition of transphobia includes, but is not limited to: Misgendering, deadnaming, or otherwise refusing to recognize a trans person's gender identity; Arguing that trans people are not "real" men or women; Arguing that trans people should not have the same rights as cis people -- for example, the right to use public restrooms or play sports that match their gender identity; Arguing that there is any scientific basis for discriminating against trans people.

(emphasis added)

There's an awful lot of violations of this rule in the replies on this thread.

[ZRB]

161. This. So much this.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

164. Aww, you can't be a transphobe..

There are plenty of other sites you can, maybe try peddling your bigotry there?

[AZJonnie]

167. I'm under the impression that the avenue for questions about the TOS is the 'Ask The Administrators' forum

rather than on the general message boards like right here. You'd probably be better off posting this opinion there, however I'm fairly certain this matter has been previously discussed (at length) and adjudicated, which resulted in the TOS entry being what it is.

[Abolishinist]

176. Forget it, Jake. It's DUtown.

[AZJonnie]

223. I don't fully understand every intricacy of the rule nor am I telling anyone what to think or do

But I do think its possible a DU jury would decide that making this point constitutes a violation of the stated rule. Do with that information as you wish

[stoned]

124. This is exactly why he started a podcast

To get out in front of eyes and ears for a few years, then step away to run for Pres. He's on the Vivek plan.

[stoned]

135. Vivek may be the next gov of Ohio

Anyway, what I mean was that Vivek started podcasting, going on interview shows, then announced his bid for Prez, and it got a lot of eyes and ears. Newsom may be on the same path.

[MustLoveBeagles]

132. He lost me

Bigotry in any form is not okay.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

143. Thyere are a lot of "Democrats" in this thread who disagree, sadly... NT

[BannonsLiver]

147. And according to post 17, a lot of Dems outside DU, as well.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

149. Your point?

I didn't realize that civil rights were subject to opinion polls.

[BannonsLiver]

150. My point is that if he runs in 2028 it's unlikely that his stance on this issue hurts him.

Given that the people who disagree with him are firmly in the minority.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

151. So you support being a bigot to get votes?

Just want to be clear how you feel about civil rights here, since you seem to be advocating taking away trans folx' rights.

[ZRB]

162. Bigot by your definition

[AZSkiffyGeek]

163. You don't think denying rights to a group of people is bigotry?

Interesting....
I'd also recommend reading the TOS since you apparently didn't when you signed up..l.

[ZRB]

194. I'm not advocating against trans rights in any fashion

I support trans rights fully. I don't support labeling most of our party and tons of the independents bigots because they disagree with one aspect of a much broader issue. No one here is suggesting taking rights away from anyone. This is about trying to win elections, which will ultimately be much more beneficial to trans people than talking a good game and losing elections. It's a difficult needle to thread, but you can't win by insulting the vast majority of the populace. I honestly don't know how the party should proceed with this issue, and I hope the professionals are able to come up with something so this is no longer a losing issue for us. Clearly what we did last time failed spectacularly, and has massively hurt the cause for the foreseeable future.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

195. But they are advocating taking away rights

They don't believe trans folx should compete in sports according to their gender. That's transphobia.

[ZRB]

197. You really think Gavin Newsom is against that personally?

Just like Barack Obama was initially against gay marriage? It's political triangulation and nothing more. The first step is winning elections and having sustainable majorities.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

199. I'm going by what he said to a right-wing provacateur he had on his podcast

So, yeah, I take him at his word since he isn't willing to stand up for one of the most vulnerable minorities in the country right now,

[ZRB]

200. He is standing up for them

By trying to get Democrats elected. If he has to temporarily advocate otherwise, it'll be a lot more productive than saying "the right things" and losing. Look, my main point here is that calling everyone a bigot is not the answer to winning them over. There has to be another way, and it's above my pay grade.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

201. I lost the right to travel under my correct passport because of these bigots

No, I'm not going to shut up. And I'm disgusted that some supposed "allies" who "fully support transgender rights" are saying I should make nice with people who are denying my rights. At least the entire Democratic caucus in DC stood up for my rights though, and WON. Maybe Newsom and some other people here should pay attention to what is going on instead of buying right wing bullshit about men breaking girls faces playing volleyball.
Iowa has removed all protections for me. Texas is on the verge. Idaho. Indiana. Florida. Now it looks like the governor of California wants to do the same thing.

[ZRB]

206. Seems like he is limiting this to the sports issue

Which along with the prisoner gender-care issues appear to be the most underwater with the general population. California isn’t suddenly going to become anti-trans hell. The bigots you are referring to are called “Republicans” and “Republican-leaning independents.”

[AZSkiffyGeek]

209. I said what I said

Sorry you don't like bigotry being called out.

[ZRB]

211. Glad you're not a Democratic consultant

Some of us want to win elections.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

213. Enjoy your rights while you still have them

I think Niemöller said something about that.

[ZRB]

214. Keep calling our voters bigots

Hope that works out for ya!

[AZSkiffyGeek]

217. Are you going to "Not all men" this argument?

That's cute. There are a lot of Democrats who are able to support trans rights and win elections.
Here's a clue, if you don't support trans rights, you are a bigot. If you think I have to wait in line to GET BACK rights I had six months ago, you are a bigot. If you think the Democrats went too far in protecting those rights under Biden, you are a bigot.
And welcome to DU, maybe you should read the TOS before defending the stripping of trans folx' rights.

[Abolishinist]

221. ZRB's Profile

Member since: Tue Nov 9, 2004

[BannonsLiver]

232. They've been here for 20 years

[ZRB]

240. Yeah check my joined year.

Thanks for the welcome, but I've been here immersed as a lurker for 21 years after a flurry of post-Kerry-loss commenting. I reached my breaking point and had to comment on certain threads recently, and now I'm into it again. My passions include rejecting antisemitism coming from our side, standing up against relentless Democrat-bashing from some in our tent, and advocating for politically-smart actions instead of fighting currently hopeless battles. I'm also in favor of saving the planet first and foremost, so we can still have these discussions about every other issue under the burning-hot sun.

I haven't defended any stripping of rights. I have suggested that in order to win, Democrats may have to take positions in line with the electorate we have, not the electorate we wish we had, to make an unfortunate paraphrase. Calling such Democrats and their supporters bigots will not win votes and the cause you're so passionately (and understandably) defending will be crushed for good. I'll add that taking positions is not the same as enacting policy.

[BannonsLiver]

230. Well done standing up for yourself.

[BannonsLiver]

231. I support winning elections.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

233. And throwing minorities under the bus to do it

Gotta love "allies" like you. You probably supported DOMA and DADT as well, they were to win elections too. I've supported the Democratic Party my entire lif4e, now I'm watching my rights getting eroded and being told to shut up and take it because people "Support Winning Elections."
No, you support transphobia.

[BannonsLiver]

234. You'll have the opportunity to vote against him if he runs.

Last edited Fri Mar 7, 2025, 12:55 AM - Edit history (2)

If enough people do vote against him he will not be the nominee. And your vicious personal attacks have been duly noted.

[ZRB]

247. No one here or in the Democratic party are throwing minorities under the bus

This is about winning elections in modern-day America, not a wonderfully optimistic but nonetheless imaginary one. Have you met the general public? Have to talked to them? They are far, far away on this. Those of us here do not reflect the entire Democratic party, let alone the average voter. We need more than a sliver of these "common folk who vote" so we can win now and enact policy later. Newsom gets this.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

248. That's funny, because this whole thread is about a Democratic leader throwing a minority under the bus

Something you've made clear you support because winning is more important than fighting bigots.

[BannonsLiver]

256. I don't think that's the case at all.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

258. What other group is losing rights?

There’s only one group being told they aren’t women.

[BannonsLiver]

259. Plenty of people are losing their rights in this admin.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

260. Sorry you are offended by people standing up for the margjnalized

I didn’t realize that I was so selfish for thinking girls should be able to compete in girls sports.

[BannonsLiver]

261. Offended isn't the word I'm thinking of.

Last edited Fri Mar 7, 2025, 12:40 AM - Edit history (2)

[AZSkiffyGeek]

262. What, pray tell is it?

It certainly isnt empathy. Or support.

[BannonsLiver]

263. I'm going to hold on to that one.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

264. I didn't realize standing up for minority rights was bullying

But hey, apparently some “Democrats” don’t understand that.

[BigMike2028]

140. Gavin is playing both sides, He's running for president.

Gavin is playing both sides, He's running for president.

[Redleg]

152. I didn't realize the Dems had a coherent position on transgender people and athletics

I think it is assumed that the party supports it but I have never really seen any meaningful discussion of it. I expect that Democrats vary on this issue.

[Redleg]

158. Good point. They characterize Dems have having an extreme position

but I must have missed that meeting where we decided on it.

[AZJonnie]

219. Maybe the closest thing there was to such a thing was issued by Biden's Dept of Education Civil Rights Division

In a "Dear Colleague Letter" in 2021. The contents thereof are of course purged from any government website at this point, but I just checked using an AI that is unaware of anything after mid 2023, and it remembered exactly what was in it. I will share one line with you:

"Schools may not prohibit a student from participating in a particular sport based on their sex assigned at birth. "

But that is not the extent of the advice therein. You'll probably hit a wall using Google on this subject, but if it interests you enough, I can provide the rest of it via DM

[Mike Nelson]

155. I think...

... sports organizations should make their own guidelines. If the Olympics has a DNA requirement, that's their business. I draw the line at public K-12 schools. There, I think it should be an Individual decision, based on where the student is best served. Obviously, a completely transgendered female belongs with the females... and male with the males. On the other side, a male in the "questioning stage" belongs with the males... and female with females. Sports are for everyone, so a public school needs to accommodate everyone. I think Trumpsters are just making this cruel and humiliating - to rile up their voters.

[AZProgressive]

170. Republicans are the ones focused on pronouns

So someone puts preferred pronouns on their social media profile or to avoid being misgendered is not at all a big deal to me. The Republicans can say whatever they want when it comes to social issues but Democrats must be careful or shut up on certain issues or go all-in with buying RW propaganda but it is actually the Republicans that make a big deal about pronouns.

Abortion also tends to do better on the ballot than the Democratic Party itself.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

198. Go to the back of the bus, gotcha

Hint, Trans rights are social justice issues. And this little issue that affected 10 people has caused millions of people to not be able to get accurate passports, has threatened foreign people travelling to the United States, and has states are busily moving to take away the rest of our rights.
So maybe, just maybe, this issue is something that someone who professes to be so concerned about social justice should give a shit about.

[MichMan]

179. Interesting enough, major Chess tournaments are separated by gender

Have no idea why since it doesn't involve any athletic ability

[AZSkiffyGeek]

182. I've got a pretty good idea... NT

[ZRB]

241. Rec x 1000

[Oneironaut]

172. It's impossible to tell who is sincere on this issue.

Transphobes who want trans people to die and people who actually care about women’s sports and want fairness both say the same things. There’s so much concern trolling and bad faith “debating.”

I could guarantee you Charlie Kirk does not give a fuck about women’s sports.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

173. Does it matter really?

If they oppose trans rights, they are a transphobe in my book. It's like that saying about a table with 1 Nazi and 10 other people.

[RoeVWade]

224. Kirk ambushes college kids, who have not thought through the issue deeply, get caught in verbal traps. Kirk's a jerk.

Maybe I should try selling that t-shirt.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

269. I'm convinced he was the inspiration for the masturbating Nazi kid in Knives Out nt

[Torchlight]

177. "If that's what it takes to win..."

Last edited Thu Mar 6, 2025, 04:54 PM - Edit history (1)

is something I interpret as "I walked out of Room 101 and got a gold star!"







(this post not self-deleted by its author... or anyone else)

[rzemanfl]

178. That Post Removed person sure seems to be interested in this thread.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

188. There's a Name Removed and a Post Removed

So there's at least two...

[rzemanfl]

189. I see at least four Post Removed items as well as a bunch of Name Removed.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

191. These threads piss me off, but they do tend to clear out some of the bigots

And now you can see who the ones are hiding behind recs as well...

[live love laugh]

202. "What's for dinner?" Democrats.

[Amanita Galatica]

210. Why is he doing any of this?

“Newsom’s interview with Kirk was friendly, sometimes exceedingly so. He mentioned the influence Kirk and other MAGA-world figures have had on his 13-year-old son, distanced himself from the use of pronouns and the gender-neutral term “Latinx,” called police defunding “lunacy,” denounced “cancel culture” and agreed that there had been some internal issues in the leadership of the Black Lives Matter organization.”

Why to any of this. Stop podcasting, just stop now.

[Hekate]

226. My governor has been solid, very solid, on the issues. I watch his progress with interest.

[Amanita Galatica]

286. It is a big tent

Enjoy the bromade

[JI7]

218. Which Democrats is he breaking with on this ? I haven't seen anyone that is

likely to run in 2028 support it.

[AZJonnie]

229. More precisely, he actually said it in in front of the whole world in the podcast he did with Charlie Kirk

And yeah, it is definitely disappointing. Even more so when considering he chose to make his show's inaugural podcast with Charlie fucking Kirk

[AZJonnie]

244. Yes, and you've come to the right place

Welcome to DU

We are all completely freaked out, so you should fit right in

[stoned]

225. Newsom is playing the game.

Nothing more.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

246. What game involves pandering to the alt-right?

[PeaceWave]

249. You must feel strongly about this issue. Half the non-deleted posts belong to you.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

251. Well, having rights taken away can do that

Especially when people who claim to be on my side tell me to shut up about it.

[stoned]

284. I don't think he's pandering to the right

I think he's speaking to moderate dems, those in the center, and the disenfranchised folks who sway with the political winds. He knows its the center he needs to cultivate. They're not as into the fringe issues. He's playing politics -- that's the game.

[Lulu KC]

242. All I can say is that this is just WEIRD.

That is all. I finally googled to make sure it had really happened and it wasn't some right-wing false report. He has some 'splaining to do. So not like him.

[ibegurpard]

250. Totally ceding ground on an issue

Does not buy you right-wing support. It only loses some of your left flank.
Gotta find a way to defuse this issue.
Agreeing with Charlie Kirk on your own podcast is not the way.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

252. He's pissed all the tech bros are moving to Texas

Wants to get back in Musk and Thiel’s good graces. It’s disgusting.

[BannonsLiver]

266. 70 percent of Dems agree with Newsom

See post 17

[ibegurpard]

267. I don't care

Figure out a way to defuse the issue. Do not cede ground to fucking Nazis.

[Emile]

279. I would feel better if the candidate was closer to 100%

[BannonsLiver]

280. No candidate ever gets 100 percent of the vote.

[Emile]

281. That's why I said closer to 100%

The key word is closer.

[Cuthbert Allgood]

253. If our nominee is some center or center/right candidate, we're screwed.

Let's be the left.

[ForgedCrank]

254. If we

are to ever regain control, this is the only way.
We have to abandon what is considered the more fringe issues at the national level. We may disagree with this as a concept, but strategy will be what wins. We should expect to concede on many more issues in this same realm as well, and we're going to have to support the candidates that do if we don't want #48 to be JD Vance or similar

[GenThePerservering]

272. Agree, and I *do* care about women's sports

but we're getting hung up on issues that impact the few, not the many. If we keep doing that, we'll lose the game. It's the ugly choice we have to make.

[ForgedCrank]

274. I love

it when others recognize the realities of what we are facing. I'm just as supportive of the few as I am of the majority, so I'm in step with you on the sports thing, but we are going to have to give a little if we are to recover. We can hack away at these issues later, but first we have to start winning again or it's all just a waste of time.

[vercetti2021]

255. Well i know who im not voting for

My rights arent up for negotiations Gavin...and seriously fuck this place today and transphobic members here.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

268. I can't believe so many DUers agree with Charlie Kirk

Actually, yes I do. I’ve seen the same TERFs showing up for years

[vercetti2021]

273. Yep

Reason you don't see me post here anymore if rarely. No point

[BootOutTheGoons]

275. You and me both

A far right MAGA congressman (Dan Crenshaw) has been shown more kindness and respect here than I have since he "lost his eye fighting for my freedom!"

Of course he now fights in congressman to erase my freedom but who cares?

Better MAGA than trans

[AZSkiffyGeek]

277. This is the most I've posted since the election

I get it. But I also spent too many years in darkness before I cracked, and I’ll be damned if some TERF is going to shut me up.

[vercetti2021]

282. I agree

But I'm done with the democratic establishment.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

291. Seperate but equal, eh?

[BootOutTheGoons]

276. Thanks for nothing Gavin

Meanwhile it's been stomach turning to watch the usual frenzy of transphobia and hate in this thread from the usual suspects. After all if there is anything DU hates more than Trump it's trans people

So many here don't fucking care and don't hide it. The election is our fault. We're not worth fighting for. We're a losing issue. So what if a few million weirdos die? We're being selfish wanting to live and have equality!

And funny how it's us that have to give shit up. Never straight cisgender people who have to sacrifice shit. Just us LGBTQ loses

The replies in this thread are why many of us feel like the only friends we have are each other

Thanks a million as usual DU. Because somehow "fuck off and die" is supposed to be better coming from you than from MAGA

[Cuthbert Allgood]

278. It is sad, disappointing, and more than a little gross to see Dems turn on marginalized groups

just because a high percentage of people support further marginalizing said group.

Add to it the reality that the number of trans women athletes we have competing in the NCAA can be counted on one fucking hand.

But, sure, fuck that community, I guess.

[vercetti2021]

283. They let the narrative be controlled

By the far right and then buckle on it instead of fighting it. Catering to right wing groups instead of progressive groups is not gonna win you elections and blaming us is on cue for the establishment

[AZSkiffyGeek]

290. And to do it while repeating Trump and Turning Point talking points

But hey, I'm being selfish by defending my rights and not supporting bigots.

[EarlG]

293. Enough

Locking. Lots of people in this thread need to re-read the site rules on bigotry.