California Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Steyer Advocates for Transgender Athletes

California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer has voiced strong support for transgender athletes participating in high school sports. On a podcast, Steyer articulated that excluding these athletes contributes to the emotional and mental health challenges they face.

I’m totally in favor of trans athletes in high school, Steyer shared on the I’ve Had It podcast, hosted by Jennifer Welch.

Steyer stressed the vulnerability and stress experienced by transgender youth. Highlighting the alarming statistics about suicide attempts among transgender children, he strongly opposed the idea of restricting them from team sports, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity.

In an interview with CBS Los Angeles, Steyer accused critics of furthering a right-wing attempt to demonize transgender individuals.

Legal Challenges and Debates

Families have initiated legal action over California’s transgender athlete laws after instances where female athletes lost their varsity spots to transgender competitors. Steyer remains committed to supporting these athletes amid his gubernatorial campaign.

Other Candidates’ Views

The race for California’s governorship is crowded, including candidates like former U.S. Representative Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, former California State Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa, former California State Controller Betty Yee, and California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond.

While some Democratic candidates share Steyer’s stance, others have nuanced views. Katie Porter emphasized the purpose of youth sports as character-building rather than competition-focused. Becerra advocated for adherence to laws protecting participation based on gender identity.

Mahan questioned the fairness in particular cases but refused to use the issue as a political tool. Villaraigosa dismissed the topic as a non-issue yet maintained his opposition to discrimination, specifically post-puberty biological males competing in women’s sports.

Yee emphasized promoting fairness while ensuring inclusion, whereas Thurmond expressed firm support for transgender athletes.

Republican candidates like Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco favor reversing legislation supporting transgender participation.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Reported by Taylor Penley, Associate Editor at Fox News.