Newsom Agrees With Ben Shapiro That Transgender Debate Is A 'Barrier' For Some Voters — But Reaffirms Support For Trans Youth

California Gov. Gavin Newsom acknowledged during a conversation with Daily Wire founder Ben Shapiro that disputes over whether a boy can become a girl have become a decisive barrier for some voters considering the Democratic Party.

On the "This Is Gavin Newsom" podcast, Shapiro criticized the Democratic Party's handling of the topic, saying the party failed to clearly state whether a boy can become a girl. The two then discussed school policies that allow teachers to withhold information from parents when students are being socially transitioned at school without parental notification.

Many liberal figures argue that transgenderism is overblown as a cultural issue, only applying to a small portion of the population, but conservatives say changing culture and policies in schools are worth discussing.

"I think one of the major failings of the Democratic Party in the last election cycle is the unwillingness to say whether it was true or untrue that a boy could become a girl," Shapiro said.

Newsom emphasized that such situations involve a relatively small number of students. "We're talking about so few people that are struggling with gender identity issues," he said, echoing comments by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox that a great deal of attention has focused on a relatively small group.

"The problem is I do think that, on an electoral level — to go to the politics — it is a barrier to entry for a lot of people when you say a boy can become a girl," Shapiro replied.

Newsom accepted that the question can be a threshold issue for some voters: "I respect if that's your barrier to then listening to people on a myriad of other issues. So be it. It is what it is." He later described Shapiro on the program as more focused on "facts over empathy."

California Gov. Gavin Newsom referred to Shapiro as a "facts over empathy guy."

Newsom's Nuanced Position

In recent months Newsom has expressed a nuanced stance on related matters. In March, while speaking with Charlie Kirk, he called the participation of biological males in women's sports "deeply unfair," saying the issue raises concerns about fairness in competition.

He also discussed these topics with The New York Times' Ezra Klein, noting that his views on fairness in sports are unpopular with many: "That's an issue no one wants to hear about because 80% of the people listening disagree with my position on this. But it comes from my heart, not just my head. It wasn't a political evolution," Newsom said.

At the same time, Newsom reaffirmed his record and personal support for transgender youth: "I want to see trans kids. I have a trans godson. There's no governor who has signed more pro-trans legislation than I have. No one has been a stronger advocate for the LGBTQ community."

Why This Matters

The exchange highlights a broader tension within U.S. politics: how parties and leaders address complex cultural and identity issues that can be both numerically small and politically significant. Newsom's comments reflect an effort to balance electoral realities, fairness concerns in specific policy areas, and ongoing support for transgender rights and protections.