Former allies of U.S. Senator Rubén Gallego withdrew their support and questioned the Democrat's commitment to transgender rights after Gallego recently announced that transgender athletes should not play in school sports that correspond with their gender identity.
Ruben Gallego expressed his worries about safety and equality in women's sports are "valid," saying to transgender kids in a recent interview: "We love you. This is the only location where you are not allowed to play, even though we want you to be a part of our community."
After the senator changed his mind about transgender athletes playing school sports, the situation caused a coalition of LGBTQ+ advocacy groups in Arizona to reevaluate their political support, causing a larger discussion about changing political stances within the Democratic party.
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The conflict is around recent statements supporting restrictions on transgender students participating in gender-identity-related sports, which represents a substantial shift from earlier policy stances.
A number of advocacy groups have publicly retracted their support and demanded responsibility from elected representatives they previously supported as a result of this change.
One of the state's oldest LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, Phoenix Pride, was founded in 1981 and said it was "hurt and betrayed" by the policy change. Public figures should "refrain from comment rather than risk the repercussions of their comments landing in the wrong ears," said Executive Director Mike Fornelli, who highlighted the possible impact on vulnerable kids.
The advocacy organization, which used to support the senator by backing his campaign, is now demanding that the divisive remarks be changed or taken down.
The ACLU of Arizona policy strategist Katelynn Contreras described the statement as part of "double down on a larger strategy to push transgender people out of public and civic life," while President Michael Soto of Equality Arizona condemned the position as supporting "those who spread fear and misinformation for political gain."
As the situation develops, national discussions about transgender athletes' rights are becoming more contentious. The controversial nature of these conversations on college campuses has been revealed by recent events at San José State University, when volleyball teams were forfeited due to transgender athletes' involvement.
Legislation prohibiting transgender students from participating in sports has been in place in 27 states since 2020, resulting in complicated regulations nationwide. In 2024, a preliminary injunction issued by a federal court left Arizona's own 2022 regulations in a state of legal uncertainty.
After President Trump signed federal legislation on July 4 that limits funding for gender-affirming care under Medicaid, CHIP, and the Affordable Care Act, the debate has become even more urgent. Civil rights groups and medical professionals caution that low-income and minority transgender people are particularly affected by these policies.
Gallego claims that transgender athlete policies should be set by local school boards and sports organizations rather than the federal government. His stance supports transgender rights in other contexts and is in line with centrist Democrats who wish to address issues of fairness in sports.
According to a letter sent to the NCAA on Tuesday by 28 Republican attorneys general, "there is no doubt that the women forced to compete against biological males in female events were impacted negatively and unfairly disadvantaged."
Gallego's current stance is especially shocking to his former supporters who saw him as a constant ally because he previously opposed federal restrictions on transgender athletes and co-sponsored the Equality Act as a House member.
Advocates are urging elected officials to put the health of vulnerable kids ahead of political power as discussions surrounding transgender inclusion in sports keep growing.
