Betty Yee on Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports
Betty Yee, a Democratic candidate for governor in California, recently spent four minutes discussing the participation of biological men identifying as transgender women in women’s sports during an interview.
President Trump’s executive order from February 5 mandates that federal funding be denied to schools permitting men who identify as transgender women to compete in women’s events. During the interview, journalist Piers Morgan posed a question about the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He asked Yee, “If you were governor, would you support transgender athletes competing in women’s sports at the Olympics?” Yee’s response emphasized the need for more discussion and information on the capabilities of transgender athletes, adding that she is uncertain if they can compete confidently.
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee has introduced new rules that effectively prohibit biological males identifying as transgender women from participating in women’s sports. This regulation also aligns with policies from sports organizations like the International Cycling Union and World Boxing Association.
Morgan interjected with his viewpoint, stating that he believes transgender female athletes are indeed female athletes and should compete. He pressed Yee further, asking if she would back biological males identifying as women in Olympic sports, to which she reiterated that they should be allowed to compete.
The debate around transgender athletes intensified following Leah Thomas’ notable participation in the 2022 NCAA Championships, where she won the women’s 500-yard final. Trump expressed his support for excluding biological males from female sports during a town hall last October.
When Morgan brought up the advantages men may have in Olympic sports, Yee mentioned areas where women’s agility shines, especially in track and field. Morgan challenged her, asking if she truly believed women could compete with men in track events, including sprints and longer distances.
In 2018, two biological men who identified as transgender women won the women’s 100-meter title at the Connecticut State Track Championships. Yee, uncertain about her stance, hesitantly said, “Maybe.” Morgan countered with skepticism about the times set by men versus women in track events, particularly referencing Usain Bolt’s world record.
Yee attempted to highlight misinformation regarding transgender athletes, but Morgan stressed that Californians want to know how she would handle the issue as a potential governor during the Los Angeles-hosted Olympics. He pointed out a desire for fairness and justice for women in sports and questioned whether her approach would truly be gender-neutral.
