This week on The Ezra Klein Show, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared himself the most pro-transgender governor in U.S. history, a claim he supports by citing the significant number of pro-trans bills he has signed into law. Speaking candidly, Newsom, a Democrat, expressed his commitment to the transgender community, stating, “I want to see trans kids. I have a trans godson. There’s no governor who has signed more pro-trans legislation than I have. No one has been a stronger advocate for the LGBTQ community.”
In examining the accuracy of his statement, California’s prolific legislative activity regarding queer rights provides context. According to Equality California, which tracks LGBTQ+ legislation, and reporting from The Advocate, Newsom has signed 47 pro-LGBTQ+ bills since he took office in 2019, among which 21 specifically address the needs of transgender individuals. Notable pieces include legislation that designates California as a sanctuary for young people seeking gender-affirming care from other states, protections for trans students concerning privacy in school, and simplified processes for name and gender changes on official documents.
However, not all efforts have moved forward unopposed. Newsom vetoed certain pro-trans bills, including a recent measure aiming to promote an inclusive perspective on gender education in schools. His rationale was that the bill should await the results of an upcoming state study on health curricula.
While Newson’s legislative record is substantial, he is not the only Democratic governor supporting transgender rights; leaders across various states, including Colorado, Illinois, and Massachusetts, have also endorsed similar legislation. Nevertheless, many of these governors have not achieved the same volume of pro-trans measures, and some, like Tony Evers of Wisconsin and Andy Beshear of Kentucky, have been active in vetoing anti-trans initiatives.
Interestingly, Newsom’s reputation took a hit earlier this year due to comments made during a podcast with conservative figure Charlie Kirk. He suggested that allowing transgender girls and women to compete in sports with cisgender females was “deeply unfair,” positioning his viewpoint as one that acknowledges the competition’s equity. This stance sparked outrage among transgender advocates, as no evidence supports the notion that trans female athletes have a competitive advantage over cisgender females; athletic performance is influenced by various factors beyond gender identity.
Additionally, the episode has brought Newsom into a public dispute with billionaire Elon Musk, whose daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, has distanced herself from him following her transition. Musk’s political action committee shared comments from Klein’s interview with Newsom, prompting a response from Newsom’s office that included a pointed remark addressing Musk’s relationship with his daughter. In turn, Musk has continued to use deadnaming and misgendering language regarding Wilson, generating further controversy.
As California continues to navigate the complex landscape of LGBTQ+ rights, Newsom’s claims and actions remain a focal point for discussions on fairness, representation, and the ongoing struggles faced by the transgender community.
