A California lawmaker, eyeing Nancy Pelosi’s House seat, has come to the defense of a transgender man involved in a domestic violence incident, which has raised alarm among some women. The man reportedly exposed himself multiple times in a Beverly Hills gym locker room, leading to a confrontation with musician Tish Hyman, who previously highlighted this troubling event.
During a town hall meeting, Hyman, a Grammy-nominated artist, confronted state representative Scott Wiener, who has publicly supported drag queen initiatives. She expressed serious concerns about women’s safety in spaces designated for them, stating, “As a lesbian woman who was attacked this week in the women’s locker room by a self-identified trans woman with a history of domestic violence, I am deeply concerned about the safety of women in women-only spaces.”
Her comments were directed at Wiener, who seemed hesitant while trying to defend the actions of the transgender individual, Alexis Black. Black had previously pleaded guilty to violently assaulting his wife in Ohio and served time in prison. “What do you say to women who want assurance that California law will protect them from men who identify as women in women’s spaces?” she pressed Wiener.
Wiener attempted to articulate a balanced response, saying, “We want everyone to be safe, and we also know that there are transgender people, both men and women.” He added, “So trans women are women too,” which seemed to further complicate the discussion.
Hyman maintained her composure but urged Wiener to consider the gravity of women’s safety issues. “Millions of women across America are being harassed and sexually assaulted in locker rooms,” she remarked. “I’m not transphobic, but I also know that many of the bills you’ve passed are dangerous to women and young children.”
Wiener, openly gay and known for being an advocate for LGBTQ rights, has pushed several bills focusing on these issues. He argues that current laws often unfairly target LGBTQ youth and has supported measures from gender-affirming care for minors to allowing non-binary designations on IDs.
In response to Hyman’s assertion that “women and trans women are different,” Wiener reassured the audience of his commitment to safety for all women. However, he also mentioned the dangers faced by transgender individuals in society, suggesting that protecting everyone is a complex challenge.
In shifting his stance, he emphasized, “We know that trans women are also treated brutally in this country, so we have to keep them safe.” This nuanced perspective stirred reactions from the crowd, indicating the ongoing tension surrounding these issues.
