Governor Tom Steyer of California posted a video to his social media profile on X that depicts him speaking out for trans youth and standing between them and danger. In the caption, he says, “The role of the Governor is to protect Californians, and to stand between them and danger.“
Commenters shared their opinions in the comments below the video, with some expressing gratitude for the Governor’s stance and others condemning his behavior.
In the video, Steyer can be seen speaking with trans athlete AB Hernandez of Jarupa Valley High School, who is expected to compete for her second consecutive championship. Hernandez explains that she had watched an Instagram reel that was talking about those who support her, expressing gratitude for Steyer’s stance.
You can hear Steyer say, “Look, you know, it’s the, I was saying in this town hall, it’s the job of the governor to stand between danger and Californians. And I mean it. And to make sure that people are safe.” In the caption written alongside the posted video, Steyer writes, “That’s a role I take very, very seriously, particularly when it comes to trans youth.“
The California Interscholastic Federation recently reinstituted a program that awards any female athlete who finishes behind Hernandez with one spot higher. This will result in sharing podium spots with others in the last two rounds of the state tournament.
Reactions to California Governor Supporting Trans Athletes
Comments were divided between those in agreement with Tom Steyer and those who weren’t. In agreement, one commenter wrote, “Transwomen and men aren’t your enemies, fellow countrymen. Your real enemies are those who work to make you think transwomen and men are your real enemy.”
Similarly, another commenter wrote, “Thanks for speaking up. You are one of the few to do so.“
However, just as many commenters expressed anger towards the video, with one commenter writing, “You are not a good man. Why do you hate girls and women? Why do you turn your back on them, while foregoing the truth? From what danger are you protecting this young man? Do you not believe that males have an inherent biological advantage athletically vs females?“
Another commenter mentions Malia Strange, an athlete who recently shared the first-place podium with AB Hernandez, saying, “Malia is the girl whose rights you denigrate and who deserves the power of your protection. The boy who robs her of her dignity, that you kowtow to, does not deserve your “protection” to play girl’s sports.”
As the video continues gaining traction, more users are leaving their frustrations in the comments.
