Tell Governor Newsom: We Demand You Do Right By Trans Youth!
Call your Governor.
Tell Governor Newsom: We Demand You Do Right By Trans Youth!
#1 Email the Governor
On the left, under topic, select “OTHER” last on the list
Select “Leave a comment” and Click Next
On the next page click “Con” or leave blank and then leave a comment. You can use your own words or personalize the template below. In your comment:
Condemn the transphobic comments made on the podcast
Demand that the governor issue an apology, retract his statements, meet with trans athletes and their families, and recommit himself to supporting LGBTQ+ rights in California
Note that the number of comments received is more important than the wording you choose
RE: Demand for Apology and Policy Reversal to Ensure Equitable, Safe Trans Youth & Adult Participation in Sports
Dear Governor Newsom,
I am writing [as a parent/constituent/other] 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. [optional: add personal example]
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.
#2 Call The Governor
Call him and leave a version of this message with his office!
(916) 445-2841
Background
Governor Newsom has betrayed trans youth in California and across the nation in a shocking podcast with Charlie Kirk (you know him from such quotes as “I’m sorry. If I see a Black pilot, I’m going to be like, ‘Boy, I hope he’s qualified.’”). Deciding it wasn’t bad enough palling around with a racist, Newsom happily agreed with Kirk about banning Transgender kids in sports: “I think it’s an issue of fairness, I completely agree with you on that. It is an issue of fairness — it’s deeply unfair. I am not wrestling with the fairness issue. I totally agree with you.” Newsom also didn’t push back on Kirk’s outrageous lies about transgender healthcare or…really, anything, merely assenting “Yeah” over and over again.
This is not a moment for silence – the reaction must be loud, and swift, so that Newsom and Californians know he does not reflect the values of the state, nor its laws. Rainbow Families Action is clear: MAGA is not welcome here.