LGBTQ+ Advocates Condemn Trump Administration's Attack on Transgender Student-Athletes, Urge CIF to Uphold Inclusive Sports Policies

LOS ANGELES - May 27, 2025 - Equality California, TransFamily Support Services, and Our Schools USA released the following joint statement in response to the Trump administration's threat to withhold federal funding from California over the participation of a transgender student-athlete in high school sports. The attack is part of a broader national effort to vilify transgender youth and undermine inclusive policies like those long upheld by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).

"We are deeply disturbed by Donald Trump's latest attack against a transgender student-athlete- a teen who earned her spot through grit, talent, and determination.

To suggest that there is an "unfair advantage" is not only inaccurate-it's dangerous. It fuels harassment, invites discrimination, and demonizes a young person.

The same administration that claims to protect women and children is, in reality, bullying a child. Let's call it what it is: bullying-from the highest levels of government. And when that happens, the consequences are far-reaching-for the safety of those competing and for transgender youth across the nation.

For more than a decade, organizations like CIF have upheld inclusive, evidence-based policies that ensure fairness for all athletes, regardless of their gender identity. These policies not only ensure a fair level playing field and a safe, supportive environment for students, but also comply with California law. Undermining that now for political gain is a transparent attempt to scapegoat a child and distract from real national challenges Americans are facing.

As this situation evolves, we turn to the CIF to uphold California's commitment to inclusion. Our state's anti-discrimination laws are clear-and transgender youth are protected under them. Threats and blatant intimidation tactics do not erase those rights. Our community is watching, and we are counting on the CIF to uphold its policies, adhere to California law, protect its athletes, and reaffirm that everyone deserves to compete safely and authentically.

Transgender athletes are not ruining sports.

Fairness and inclusion are not mutually exclusive.

Transgender youth are not political pawns.

We will not allow the transgender community to be erased, and that starts by protecting transgender youth. No matter how relentless their attacks, our resolve is unwavering."

Additional Quotes:

TransFamily Support Services

"We will continue to make our truth known. Trans youth are kids who deserve the same opportunities as anyone else. They belong in these spaces, and we won't allow them to be erased." - Kathie Moehlig (she/her), Founder and Executive Director, TransFamily Support Services.

Our Schools USA:

"It is deeply disturbing to see the President of the United States use the power of his platform to target a single teenager instead of working to uplift all American families. With families having trouble putting food on the table, and our public schools facing devastating financial cuts that will directly impact the services and education provided to communities of every size all over this country, on bullying a single child. It is clear that the President is trying to distract from his historically unpopular policies and the catastrophic effects of his budget bill. In doing so, the President endangers the welfare of children and families across this country." - Kristi Hirst, Our Schools USA.

Equality California:

"Donald Trump's threat to withhold federal funding from California over the participation of a transgender high school student-athlete is a blatant abuse of executive power. The President is attempting to punish an entire state for upholding its values of inclusion-while targeting and marginalizing one student to advance a discriminatory political agenda. No child should ever be singled out for who they are, and no state should have critical resources held hostage in the process," said Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang. "We expect CIF to continue complying with California's existing non-discrimination laws and guarantee that all student-athletes-regardless of gender identity-can compete safely, confidently, and without stigma."

Equality California is the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ+ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating, and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org