Online Backlash Against LA Times’ Headline on Transgender Athlete

The Los Angeles Times article featuring AB Hernandez, a transgender high school athlete, is facing strong criticism on social media. The piece focuses on Hernandez’s journey amidst the challenges posed by President Donald Trump’s rhetoric.

The article praised AB Hernandez, who, born male, identifies as female and competes in girls’ track and field in California. Hernandez has notably secured three titles in women’s events, but the tone of the piece has not sat well with everyone.

The headline, “Protected by love, transgender athlete AB Hernandez overcomes President Trump’s incitement,” has drawn fire. Critics argue that it misrepresents the situation, with one user commenting, “This kid is the California state champion in two girls’ track meets. And @latimes chose this as their headline? What a really broken brain wrote this.” This remark came from Jennifer Sey, the Founder of XX-XY Athletics.

Comedian Rob Schneider added, “Hey, stupid @LATimes, let me correct the title. ‘Failed male athlete allowed to beat female…’ There! Fixed!!”

Other responses highlighted feelings of unfairness from other female athletes, with one critic pointing out how the girl’s expressions during competitions revealed their frustration at losing to someone they feel shouldn’t be competing against them.

Another voice lamented, “That vitriol was fueled by cowards who won’t do right by real girls. LA Times, you’re a woke joke and a disgrace to journalism.” Others echoed sentiments suggesting that Hernandez, as a male competitor, was depriving female athletes of opportunities, especially in scholarship prospects.

In previous remarks, President Trump believed that federal funds could be cut off to California due to Hernandez’s participation in women’s sports, claiming that state policies were wrongfully permitting it.

As it stands, California’s current policy allows transgender athletes to compete, but rules ensure that if they win titles, the female competitors will still maintain the same standings as if they had won.

The California Interscholastic Federation instituted this rule following Trump’s threats regarding state funding.