The Golden State’s shiny facade just got a bit tarnished. In a recent episode of his podcast, This Is Gavin Newsom, California’s governor decided to wade into the heated waters of transgender athlete participation in female sports. Spoiler alert: he dropped a bombshell on his LGBTQ allies by calling it “deeply unfair” for trans women to compete.

Newsom’s comments, made during a chat with right-wing provocateur Charlie Kirk, sent shockwaves throughout the liberal community, leaving many questioning whether this progressive champion has forgotten some of his core supporters in the LGBTQ+ space. He emphasized issues of fairness, not the type that actually benefits marginalized groups, but rather the kind that aligns with the concerns of conservative lawmakers calling for a ban on trans athletes. Good to know he’s putting those priorities front and center.

“It is an issue of fairness… I totally agree with you,” he said, apparently forgetting that fairness is often a slippery term when applied to those who already experience marginalization. It’s like he suddenly joined the GOP task force on being an ally.

Newsom, who once wore the LGBTQ+ ally badge with pride, now seems to be taking suggestions from the crowd wanting to roll back rights. His remarks have drawn backlash from the very community he’s claimed to support for years. Tony Hoang, executive director of Equality California, expressed disappointment, reminding the governor that this is a moment of crisis for trans youth, who need strong advocates, not wavering leaders who give in to partisan pressure.

In a state once proudly known for its progressive legislation, how could a governor with a history of standing by LGBTQ+ causes shift gears so dramatically? Could it be political posturing as he eyes bigger ambitions (hello 2028 presidential run)? His critics certainly think so. They called him out for pandering to the right while giving the shaft to those needing protection from a wave of anti-trans legislation sweeping across the nation.

And the Republicans? They’re having a field day. Assemblymember Kate Sanchez remarked that Newsom’s newfound stance aligns with their agenda, while others called for his support of outright bans on transgender athletes in schools. Sometimes it feels like the whole political circus is just one big theater production, and we’re all stuck watching it cringe-worthy scene by scene.

What’s clear is that this is not the message we expected from a governor who was once considered an unwavering champion for LGBTQ+ rights. It’s time for a little consistency, Gavin. The LGBTQ+ community deserves better than a head in the sand approach when their rights are under fire.