Governor Gavin Newsom has descended into the abrasive world of dudebro podcasting, a move that feels as strategic as it is cringe-worthy. Launching his new iHeartMedia podcast, “This is Gavin Newsom,” he opted to kick off with a guest who is anything but an ally to marginalized communities, Charlie Kirk, the MAGA-loving co-founder of Turning Point USA.

In his inaugural episode, Newsom wades into controversial waters, embracing a conservative stance against trans athletes, a sharp pivot from his past as a trailblazer for LGBTQ rights in San Francisco. With a tone that’s painfully reminiscent of aimless political pandering, he muses about fairness in sports, claiming, “I think it’s an issue of fairness, I completely agree with you on that”.

Can we just take a moment to unpack this? Newsom went from being an advocate for marriage equality, oh yes, he was the mayor who bravely opened City Hall to same-sex marriages in 2004, to buddying up with a man who describes gender-affirming care as “chemical castration”. This feels less like a fair discussion and more like a dumpster fire waiting to happen.

State Senator Scott Wiener summed it up best when he called the episode a “gut punch” to the LGBTQ community. Many are raising their eyebrows, wondering why a leader who once championed progressive causes is now courting the sentiments of the ultra-conservative dudebro segment. This has left progressive supporters scratching their heads, and understandably so. Has Newsom forgotten who helped put him in power?

His half-hearted chuckling at Kirk’s quips about what college degrees are available feels more like an impromptu comedy roast than a serious political discourse. Meanwhile, local Democrats are collectively facepalming as they watch their party’s leader cozy up to rhetoric that can only be described as borderline fascistic.

In a time when the trans community faces severe threats, Newsom’s actions raise alarm bells. By aligning himself with the right and ignoring the voices of those who are actually affected, he risks alienating the very supporters who believed in his vision of inclusivity. With the state’s pivotal elections looming, it seems Newsom might be ready to trade in his blue state cred for a shot at a national spotlight. Ah, the sweet scent of ambition, mixed with the fog of betrayal.

San Francisco’s LGBTQ activists are left holding the banner of justice, wondering when their governor will remember whose side he’s actually on. Keep your eyes peeled; it looks like Gavin’s ready to roll out his next ‘look how cool I am with conservative bros’ episode soon. What’s next, an invitation to Mar-a-Lago?

If only he understood that real leadership isn’t about fitting in with the crowd but standing firm for those who need it most.

The future just got a little murkier, and it’s not just the usual Bay Area fog.