On Friday, a significant protest involving California girls, their families, and activist groups is set to occur during the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) meeting in Costa Mesa. This rally, organized by the California Family Council, aims to challenge state laws permitting biologically male trans athletes to compete in girls’ sports. Bringing attention to their concerns, several female athletes, including Taylor Starling, Kaitlyn Slavin, and Celeste Duyst, will be speaking at a press conference during the event. Starling and Slavin are presently engaged in legal action against their school district after a trans athlete claimed the varsity cross-country spot Starling had been competing for. They allege that school administrators equated their “Save Girls Sports” T-shirts to swastikas, reflecting the heightened tensions surrounding the issue. Duyst became an online sensation after a passionate speech she delivered at a school board meeting, where she tearfully expressed her discomfort over sharing locker room space with a trans athlete.
Sophia Lorey, the Outreach Director for the California Family Council, emphasized the rally’s focus on justice, arguing that girls in California feel marginalized by policies that do not respect biological realities. The impetus for this protest can be traced to recent events, including the controversy surrounding trans athlete AB Hernandez, who represented Jurupa Valley High School at the CIF track and field championships, winning top honors in both the high jump and triple jump. The participation of Hernandez has intensified the debate over the implications of gender identity in sports. Photographs from the championship, where tensions ran high, highlighted various reactions from those involved, including conservative protesters who have voiced their concerns.
Adding to the complexities of this situation, President Donald Trump issued a cautionary message regarding the potential consequences for California if trans athletes are permitted to participate in girls’ events. He threatened to impose significant financial penalties on the state after being informed about Hernandez’s victories. Although the CIF initiated a rule change to allow girls who placed below trans athletes to be elevated in ranking, Hernandez’s participation was not prohibited. This change meant that during medal ceremonies, both trans athletes and their female competitors had to share podium positions, further complicating the dynamics of sports recognition.
The unfolding situation has drawn scrutiny from federal authorities as well, with the Department of Justice launching a probe into California’s policies under Title IX to assess whether they violate the rights of female athletes. This scrutiny is heightened by an ongoing investigation initiated by the Department of Education earlier in the year, which underscores the federal interest in the matter. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has expressed concern over the Trump administration’s stance, affirming their commitment to defending laws that protect transgender students from discrimination in schools. He signaled that his office is closely monitoring the administration’s actions in regard to these policies.
Public opinion in California appears to lean against allowing biologically male trans athletes into women’s sports. A recent survey by the Public Policy Institute of California showcased that a majority of residents, including over 70% of public school parents, oppose such practices. The survey indicates that significant portions of both adults and likely voters (65% and 64% respectively) support the idea that transgender athletes should compete based on the sex assigned to them at birth rather than their gender identity. This burgeoning divergence between public sentiment and legislative actions highlights the contentious nature of the ongoing debate.
Further complicating matters, California Governor Gavin Newsom previously labeled the inclusion of trans athletes in girls’ sports as “deeply unfair” during a podcast discussion. As the protest approaches, it is evident that stakeholders on both sides of this issue are preparing for an intense confrontation that may shape the future of sporting policies in California. The outcomes of these deliberations will not only affect the athletes currently involved but also set precedents for how schools across the state and potentially the nation address the intersection of gender identity and competitive fairness in sports moving forward.
