1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am appalled by the statements made by Governor Newsom regarding trans athletes. Governor, you completely align with *CHARLIE KIRK*??? Wow. No. I am a cisgender straight white woman who was an athlete at UC Berkeley in the 1970s. I helped found the intercollegiate volleyball program, which turns 50 this fall, and also was a member of the track and field team. As a tall, athletic woman during a time when women were not encouraged to be athletic, I was constantly attacked for “looking like a man.” I was asked frequently, “Who did your sex change surgery? They did a terrible job!” Ha. Ha. Ha. I believe each trans athlete needs to be treated separately since there are so many factors to consider. In the case of the SJS player, she had only participated in volleyball for girls and women. I do think that the case of the swimmer back East was handled incorrectly, and that an athlete who competed as a male in a particular sport at a particular level should not be able to compete as female in that same sport. But also the Charlie Kirks (and Donald Trumps) of the world would have you believe this is a HUGE problem that requires a massive stomping-out. No. It is a minuscule problem. The proper response to anyone bringing up the topic is, “Trans athletes are protected in California,” and then change the subject! The main victims of transphobia are cisgender women who do not conform to some people’s gender stereotypes, mainly because there are so many more of us. Trans people make up not even 1% of the global population. I have a trans niece, and language like the Governor’s threatens her life. There are much bigger problems for you to address. I realize that Gov Newsom is prepping for a run at the White House in 2028, and I had him on my list of candidates to watch closely and possibly support, but you lost me with this one. I expect the state of California to continue to allow trans people to exist, and to allow trans athletes to compete.