SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing personal backlash after taking a stand on one of the most divisive issues in sports today: the inclusion of transgender women in female athletic competitions. During a recent episode of his podcast “This is Gavin Newsom,” the governor revealed that his nuanced views on fairness in women’s sports have not only stirred debate but cost him longtime friendships.
“I’ve lost some good friends,” Newsom admitted to guest Dr. Phil McGraw, who joined him to discuss the complexities surrounding gender, athletics, and rights. “They won’t talk to me anymore. They were hurt by what I said, but I had to be honest about what I believe is a real issue.”
Newsom stressed that his stance doesn’t stem from a lack of support for the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, he emphasized that his track record on LGBTQ+ rights spans decades and includes landmark efforts like legalizing same-sex marriage as mayor of San Francisco and supporting gender-affirming care in California.
“I’ve been in this fight longer than most politicians,” Newsom said. “But we can’t be afraid to talk about real-world consequences, especially when it comes to girls who have trained their entire young lives for a competitive edge that could be compromised.”
Walking a Political Tightrope
Newsom’s remarks, made in March and reiterated during the podcast, called the participation of biological males in women’s sports “deeply unfair,” acknowledging that while puberty blockers and hormone treatments exist, they don’t fully eliminate physical advantages developed during male puberty.
“We’re not doing anyone a favor by pretending this isn’t happening,” Newsom said. “It’s about competitive integrity, and it’s not transphobic to talk about it.”
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Dr. Phil echoed these concerns, noting that young female athletes often dedicate years of early morning training to earn college scholarships and reach elite levels.
“These kids are sacrificing everything for a shot, and to see that suddenly slip away — it’s heartbreaking,” McGraw said. “There’s a limit to inclusivity when it begins to exclude others.”
A Governor of Contrasts
Newsom’s evolving perspective is particularly striking given his progressive legacy. In 2022, he signed Senate Bill 107, which made California a sanctuary for transgender youth and their families seeking gender-affirming healthcare from states with bans or legal restrictions.
“Parents know what’s best for their children,” Newsom said at the time. “California is stepping up to defend family rights and ensure kids receive the care they need without fear.”
Now, however, the same governor who championed that legislation is urging society not to avoid difficult questions when it comes to fairness and biological differences in sport.
What Could This Mean for 2028?
With speculation building around Newsom as a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2028, his statements may signal a broader effort to appeal to centrist voters who are weary of ideological extremes. Political analysts suggest that his ability to maintain progressive credentials while showing willingness to diverge on sensitive issues could be key to a national run.
“He’s threading a needle,” said one California political strategist. “He’s not walking away from LGBTQ+ rights — he’s expanding the conversation to include fairness for everyone, including girls in athletics.”
A Candid Moment in a Polarizing Debate
Newsom closed the podcast with a call for compassion and open dialogue.
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“People can disagree with me, and they have — passionately,” he said. “But I’d rather have an honest, uncomfortable conversation than continue pretending there’s no conflict here.”
As culture wars rage on and sports policies continue to evolve, Newsom’s willingness to risk personal relationships for what he views as principled leadership could signal a new, more complex chapter in America’s ongoing debate over gender identity and fairness.
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