West Hollywood has flown Pride flags welcoming the LGBTQ+ community for decades. (photo by Jon Viscott)

The city of West Hollywood will be sending a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom, condemning comments made by the governor on his podcast calling the participation of transgender women and girls in women’s sports “deeply unfair.”

“As mayor, I am preparing a letter on behalf of the city of West Hollywood to send to Gov. Newsom conveying our disappointment and concerns regarding his statements,” Mayor Chelsea Byers said. “West Hollywood stands with trans and nonbinary people and will continue to advocate for their dignity and respect in all facets of society.”

Trans athletes have been a hot button topic in politics the last year, with Republicans hammering the issue in campaign ads. President Donald Trump issued an executive order in February banning transgender women from participating in female sports. According to the NCAA, there are less than 10 transgender collegiate athletes.

The podcast “This is Gavin Newsom” posted its first episode, a conversation with Newsom and conservative media personality Charlie Kirk, on March 6, during which the transgender issue was broached. Newsom seemed to break from many of his Democratic colleagues, though when reached for a comment, his office pointed to the entirety of his initial quote.

“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 began, but added, “There’s also humility and grace. You know that these poor people are more likely to commit suicide, have anxiety and depression. The way that people talk down to vulnerable communities is an issue that I have a hard time with. So, both things I can hold in my hand. How can we address this issue with the kind of decency that I think, you know, is inherent in you, but not always expressed on the issue, but at the same time, deal with the unfairness?”

Newsom’s office also said that he rejected “the right wing’s cynical attempt to weaponize this debate as an excuse to vilify individual kids” and that he stands up to bullies. The office also pointed to the governor’s record on LGBTQ+ rights, including strengthening protections for transgender and nonbinary people, making it easier to update gender markers on official documents, expanding access to gender-inclusive restrooms in public spaces, protecting access to transgender health care, expanding mental health funding for LGBTQ+ youth and defending LGBTQ+ representation in schools.

Still, the League of California Cities LGBTQ+ Caucus and the Los Angeles County LGBTQ+ Elected Officials Association, have also condemned the position Newsom took on the podcast.

“His statements concerning the participation of transgender women and girls in female sports have not only concerned us, but also contradict the values of inclusivity and equality that we stand for and that the governor’s office has stood for in the past,” a joint statement read. “At a time when transgender individuals face increasing scrutiny and hostility from various sectors, it is disheartening and harmful to witness divisive rhetoric emanating from our state leadership. Such comments do not merely reflect a personal opinion – they carry wider societal implications, perpetuating stigma and reinforcing barriers against an already marginalized community.”

The groups’ statement went on to ask Newsom “to consider the impact of his words” and affirm his support for equality for all, regardless of gender identity.

West Hollywood Councilman Danny Hang said that while the governor was “right to raise these conversations,” fairness and inclusion are not at odds.

“Trans athletes deserve respect, dignity and the opportunity to compete – just like everyone else. We should be advancing policies that uplift all athletes rather than exclude some,” Hang said.