1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Dear Governor Newsom,   I am writing as a parent, constituent, and healthcare provider for the trans community  to condemn the transphobic comments you made on your recent podcast about the participation of trans girls and women in sports. Just a few months ago you promised that California would be a safe haven for trans kids and called for a special session of the legislature to ensure those protections and others. And yet here we are, listening to you agree with a hate merchant that keeping children from playing sports is a matter of “fairness”. The only truly fair thing to do is speak up and defend California education law, which protects the right of all young athletes to participate in teams that align with their gender identity. I am asking you, a one-time leader on LGBTQ rights, to not back down now, when we need you most. If you are truly concerned with fairness, think of the children whose rights you are denying. You are giving voice to a deeply hurtful form of discrimination against trans kids who simply want to be themselves.   Because you are such a long-time ally and leader, your words have power. They have for decades brought comfort and inspiration to LGBTQ+ communities. People are looking to California to set the standard for equality and inclusion.  But today, you have caused our communities harm. If you do not act swiftly to rectify this, you will have done permanent damage to our communities, and your own legacy.   I demand that you take these actions: Issue an immediate and full apology, Meet with trans athletes and their families, and Publicly commit to a full policy reversal, and commit to upholding Education Code section 221.5, which ensures full and equitable participation in sports for all California kids, regardless of identity.   Especially as trans youth are under assault by the federal government that seeks to erase their identities, your words and actions mean more than ever. We are counting on you.