CHICAGO – Equality Illinois has condemned California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and other Democratic politicians for abandoning the transgender community.

Newsom became the latest Democrat to come under fire when, on the first episode of his new podcast, agreed with far-right activist Charlie Kirk on trans people in sports. 

Erin in the Morning reported that Newsom said he was “completely aligned” with Kirk on trans participation in sports. He also appeared to express agreement with restrictions on medical care for incarcerated trans people and limits on gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth.

Equality Illinois CEO Brian C. Johnson blasted Newsom and other politicians who have started to abandon support for the LGBTQ+ community, especially trans people.

“”Democratic leaders: Stop bullying trans people,” Johnson said in a statement. “You’re doing the Republicans’ dirty work, and your message is backfiring.”

Newsom isn’t the only politician to move right after the 2024 election. Immediately after the election, Democratic elected officials such as U.S. Reps. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) and Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) blaming the party’s support of trans rights as a reason Donald Trump and the GOP won, especially with sports participation.

“Trans people are not the reason 3 million fewer Americans showed up to the polls in 2024 compared to 2020,” Johnson said. “If Democrats want to win voters back, they must focus on the issues that matter—like the economy, healthcare, and Supreme Court appointments — instead of attacking a vulnerable group they should be protecting.”

Many states, including all but one of Illinois’ immediate neighbors, have passed laws or set up policies that attack trans people. Most of the laws involve access to gender-affirming care or participation in school and college sports. Nationally, the GOP spent hundreds of millions on anti-trans ads.

Even in Illinois, 13 bills have been introduced that take aim at the LGBTQ+ community.

“But here’s the reality: Republican attacks on trans people didn’t move voters,” Johnson said. “Polling shows Americans oppose candidates who fixate on restricting Trans rights. In battleground states, anti-trans ads had no measurable impact on U.S. Senate races or late-deciding voters. The data is clear – attacking trans folks and their rights is not a winning issue.”

Johnson pointed out that anti-trans policies have led to an increase of suicide in the states that have them. Plus, the hostile rhetoric is focused on a community that only makes up 0.6% of the U.S. population.

“Democrats should be the party of common decency,” he said. “Attacking trans people is not only morally wrong—it’s a losing strategy. Instead of pandering to right-wing fearmongering, Democratic leaders must focus on what truly matters: safe communities, a vibrant economy, and strong schools for all Americans.”