You guys are living in a dreamy land.....I think all trans should have all rights that do not infringe on others rights. OK, lets try this : you have gotten up every morning for your youth and gone to swimming practice(or whatever sport) you are on track to win a swimming scholarship. Trans boy/girl joins your team and cannot be beat due to "boy" bones (not talking dicks here) talking longer legs and arms. Good example is the trans on Uof P swim team...she won everything. Went from like 200 rating on boys team to # 1 on Uof P . I think all trans should be respected but joining girls teams does not help and does not show respect to others.
In recent months, Newsom has seemingly been moving more to the right, probably in an attempt to appeal to more voters for a 2028 presidential run.
A California politician who's just too slick for his own good. He'll play just great to the rest of the country in 2028-- both his Democratic opponents for the nomination, and, should he by some miracle get the nomination, his Republican opponent, will slice him up like a big, fat salami, because his flip-flop and flip back again will give them the knives they need to do the carving.
Amazing that trump has the idle hours to try to micromanage this girl’s life, the CIF & California. All to distract from his unconstitutional power grabs. Discrimination used to be unAmerican.
Thank you for this column. Congratulations to both AB and her teammates/rivals.
And thank you for pointing out the unending, spineless hypocrisy of Gavin Newsom, who seems to imagine himself to be the Democratic Party's savior-in-waiting. As an actual Democrat, and an actual progressive here in western North Carolina, I see him as trying to position himself as JD Vance-lite. And given how little substance the VP has, that places Gavin squarely in the airhead featherweight class.
I can't wait to see all the other Democratic hopefuls airing ads with photos of Gavin with Kimberley Guilfoyle -- his (and Don Jr.'s) ex. That alone should sink his dreams of a candidacy.
I continue to wonder why - at this point - this country continues to insist on sorting members of teams by the sex equipment they display on their bodies or the level of testosterone in their bodies. Why can't teams by made up based entirely on ability? As many studies have clearly shown - and the National Geographic so beautifully described in an article a few years ago - we all have a continuum of male and female hormones - bell-shaped curves. If any of your contributors have considered this option or know of any places (schools? community teams?) that are operating - or trying to operate - this way, I think an article on this approach would be very interesting.
This is is why Democrats are losing elections. I do not believe trans athletes should be allowed to compete with whichever male or female they don’t have the equipment for. This is the same as men competing against women, men have a significant advantage.
This issue needs to recede for awhile or we’re never going to win another election. Not saying we shouldn’t continue to look for a solution, just never on the front page. I live in maga land tennessee, and the quickest way to turning all voter’s off is this issue. I actually admire Gov Newsom for altering his position and then actually talking about it.
Once again, the pursuit of perfection will continue to kill Democrats chances at election
It is a more complicated situation, as men are different than women in muscle and strength. Now, that may not be true of a trans girl who transformed a few years before she competed as a woman. I don't know.
What I do know is that there probably are reasonable solutions, and politics is not the place to solve them. Kids who are different from the majority of their peers always have trouble -- even though everybody is really different from each other, and Middle School is always terrible.
It has become very acceptable to make life more difficult for anyone whose life is difficult already. Our society has become very insecure, frightened, and mean. It starts at the top.
Lots of disturbing misinformation here about trans participation in youth sports. Some further reading warranted which, I bet, if done will only grow support for trans youths competing in sports.
For me, I take my cue from AB 's teammates who welcomed her participation. Thank heavens for the next generation leading the way beyond harmful gender stereotypes and prejudices.
This is a thorny issue. While every person deserves respect and a chance to live their best life, and that certainly includes trans persons, it also includes women and girls. Sexual dimorphism exists in homo sapiens. Females are at a disadvantage against males in certain athletic contests, including track and field. Male to female transitioners have the advantage, especially those who have gone through puberty. Hormone blockers and other manipulations only partially level the playing field. The effort here to honor on the podium the female athlete who had no advantage along with the trans athlete who did is an awkward but a good faith effort to recognize all the competitors.
Thank you for this story Shalise!!!! Am really saddened by the capitulation of Gov Newsom who was in the forefront of the marriage equality issue - his moral meltdown is one of the tragedies of this time. Thank you Gov Mills for setting the example of heroic leadership we need in this country today!! And Thank you AB for being a shining STAR!!!!
have nothing against trans folks, but having been born a boy your arms and legs are longer...and it is just not fair ror you to compete in girls sports.
if you have trouble understanding this, picture a track meet of old people with Kaitlyn Jenner on the girls team.....I think they would win ! easily...
Many of the comments here are surprising and disappointing. Trans girls are girls. Period. Anything else is othering them. I expect that from MAGA Republicans but not from Contrarians.
I just realized something...people know Kaitlyn Jenner was Bruce Jenner the multi gold medal winning olympic athlete, right ? Not one of the Kardashian sisters.....
It’s not othering to acknowledge that trans girls are not the same as biological girls, and therefore shouldn’t be competing in sports against biological girls. I think it’s sexist to not recognize that differences exist. For example, trans girls will never be pregnant due to having male bodies. You can view transgender girls as legitimate, having chosen to change their gender affiliation, not sex which can’t be changed, and also think it violates the rights of biological girls to compete with trans girls (biological boys) in sports. Title 9 exists for good reasons.
Indeed, "Shine on AB".
Congratulations on your jump records.
what do you say to the girls who lost to this compeitor ?
You say good job. Better luck next time.
You guys are living in a dreamy land.....I think all trans should have all rights that do not infringe on others rights. OK, lets try this : you have gotten up every morning for your youth and gone to swimming practice(or whatever sport) you are on track to win a swimming scholarship. Trans boy/girl joins your team and cannot be beat due to "boy" bones (not talking dicks here) talking longer legs and arms. Good example is the trans on Uof P swim team...she won everything. Went from like 200 rating on boys team to # 1 on Uof P . I think all trans should be respected but joining girls teams does not help and does not show respect to others.
May I add, no problem exists when girl/boy person joins the boys track team...get it ? because he has girl bones and height ...
In recent months, Newsom has seemingly been moving more to the right, probably in an attempt to appeal to more voters for a 2028 presidential run.
A California politician who's just too slick for his own good. He'll play just great to the rest of the country in 2028-- both his Democratic opponents for the nomination, and, should he by some miracle get the nomination, his Republican opponent, will slice him up like a big, fat salami, because his flip-flop and flip back again will give them the knives they need to do the carving.
Newsom Also Changes His Opinions ( NACHO) to suit his political ego.
Shame on the bigots. Shame on Newsom. 🏳️🌈
Stop calling me a bigot because I disagree with you about this. It’s accusations like this that cost the Democratic Party election wins.
Amazing that trump has the idle hours to try to micromanage this girl’s life, the CIF & California. All to distract from his unconstitutional power grabs. Discrimination used to be unAmerican.
Thank you for this column. Congratulations to both AB and her teammates/rivals.
And thank you for pointing out the unending, spineless hypocrisy of Gavin Newsom, who seems to imagine himself to be the Democratic Party's savior-in-waiting. As an actual Democrat, and an actual progressive here in western North Carolina, I see him as trying to position himself as JD Vance-lite. And given how little substance the VP has, that places Gavin squarely in the airhead featherweight class.
I can't wait to see all the other Democratic hopefuls airing ads with photos of Gavin with Kimberley Guilfoyle -- his (and Don Jr.'s) ex. That alone should sink his dreams of a candidacy.
I continue to wonder why - at this point - this country continues to insist on sorting members of teams by the sex equipment they display on their bodies or the level of testosterone in their bodies. Why can't teams by made up based entirely on ability? As many studies have clearly shown - and the National Geographic so beautifully described in an article a few years ago - we all have a continuum of male and female hormones - bell-shaped curves. If any of your contributors have considered this option or know of any places (schools? community teams?) that are operating - or trying to operate - this way, I think an article on this approach would be very interesting.
This is is why Democrats are losing elections. I do not believe trans athletes should be allowed to compete with whichever male or female they don’t have the equipment for. This is the same as men competing against women, men have a significant advantage.
This issue needs to recede for awhile or we’re never going to win another election. Not saying we shouldn’t continue to look for a solution, just never on the front page. I live in maga land tennessee, and the quickest way to turning all voter’s off is this issue. I actually admire Gov Newsom for altering his position and then actually talking about it.
Once again, the pursuit of perfection will continue to kill Democrats chances at election
It is a more complicated situation, as men are different than women in muscle and strength. Now, that may not be true of a trans girl who transformed a few years before she competed as a woman. I don't know.
What I do know is that there probably are reasonable solutions, and politics is not the place to solve them. Kids who are different from the majority of their peers always have trouble -- even though everybody is really different from each other, and Middle School is always terrible.
It has become very acceptable to make life more difficult for anyone whose life is difficult already. Our society has become very insecure, frightened, and mean. It starts at the top.
If Newsom keeps capitulating to the likes of Charlie Kirk, he may not even win his own State if he runs for president in 2028.
Yes, SHINE ON AB. There are more people on your side than you know!!!!!
Lots of disturbing misinformation here about trans participation in youth sports. Some further reading warranted which, I bet, if done will only grow support for trans youths competing in sports.
For me, I take my cue from AB 's teammates who welcomed her participation. Thank heavens for the next generation leading the way beyond harmful gender stereotypes and prejudices.
Just waiting for Newsom to reveal that he's now "pro-life" and wants wimmen to stay home.
This is a thorny issue. While every person deserves respect and a chance to live their best life, and that certainly includes trans persons, it also includes women and girls. Sexual dimorphism exists in homo sapiens. Females are at a disadvantage against males in certain athletic contests, including track and field. Male to female transitioners have the advantage, especially those who have gone through puberty. Hormone blockers and other manipulations only partially level the playing field. The effort here to honor on the podium the female athlete who had no advantage along with the trans athlete who did is an awkward but a good faith effort to recognize all the competitors.
There needs to be a third category so that girls' legal right to equal opportunity in sports is not abridged by a male athlete's best life.
Thank you for this story Shalise!!!! Am really saddened by the capitulation of Gov Newsom who was in the forefront of the marriage equality issue - his moral meltdown is one of the tragedies of this time. Thank you Gov Mills for setting the example of heroic leadership we need in this country today!! And Thank you AB for being a shining STAR!!!!
have nothing against trans folks, but having been born a boy your arms and legs are longer...and it is just not fair ror you to compete in girls sports.
if you have trouble understanding this, picture a track meet of old people with Kaitlyn Jenner on the girls team.....I think they would win ! easily...
how about join the school band or choir...
Many of the comments here are surprising and disappointing. Trans girls are girls. Period. Anything else is othering them. I expect that from MAGA Republicans but not from Contrarians.
I just realized something...people know Kaitlyn Jenner was Bruce Jenner the multi gold medal winning olympic athlete, right ? Not one of the Kardashian sisters.....
I see them as girls, just not fair for them to be in competitive sports.
and that relates to athletic activities how? Stay in the cheering section?
yes
Then you don't really see them as girls. If you did, you would believe that they belonged in all arenas where girls are.
It’s not othering to acknowledge that trans girls are not the same as biological girls, and therefore shouldn’t be competing in sports against biological girls. I think it’s sexist to not recognize that differences exist. For example, trans girls will never be pregnant due to having male bodies. You can view transgender girls as legitimate, having chosen to change their gender affiliation, not sex which can’t be changed, and also think it violates the rights of biological girls to compete with trans girls (biological boys) in sports. Title 9 exists for good reasons.