UMVA has learned that billionaire gubernatorial hopeful Tom Steyer used a recent appearance on a popular podcast to champion the inclusion of transgender athletes in high school sports.
During the interview, Steyer declared without hesitation, “I’m totally in favor of trans athletes in high school,” leaving no room for doubt about his stance.
He framed the debate as a moral imperative to protect vulnerable teenagers, arguing that barring transgender students from team sports would deepen the emotional and mental health struggles many already face.
Steyer warned that when people truly grasp “the vulnerability, the stress, the danger of being a trans kid,” and learn that “almost half of them try to commit suicide,” it becomes impossible to justify punishing them by denying participation.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the billionaire emphasized that allowing transgender youth to compete is fundamentally about dignity and acceptance, not about undermining competitive fairness.
He dismissed claims of a widespread crisis, insisting, “This is not some huge epidemic,” and characterized the political uproar as a “right‑wing attempt to victimize and villainize already vulnerable and desperate people.”
Steyer’s remarks, echoed in follow‑up comments to local media, expressed that his “heart completely goes out” to trans youth who feel rejected and contemplate suicide.
By taking an unequivocal pro‑inclusion position, Steyer aligns his campaign with progressive activists demanding that school sports be open to all students consistent with their gender identity, a stance gaining traction across the nation.
