Progressive leaders are slowly retreating from the more extreme elements of the transgender rights movement, but don’t be deceived.
While there has been some softening of rhetoric, their core positions remain largely intact.
A Shift in Politics, Not Principles
Recent elections have made one thing clear: over 70% of Americans are not in favor of the more radical aspects of the transgender movement, including taxpayer-funded gender surgeries and medical interventions for minors such as puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones.
This was a tough lesson for many Democratic leaders, who saw the political consequences firsthand in the 2024 elections when voters, particularly parents, delivered a crushing defeat to Vice President Kamala Harris.
Now, the message is unambiguous: enough is enough.
Even California’s progressive governor, Gavin Newsom, who was once a loud advocate for ‘gender-affirming care,’ has started to dial back some of his most controversial stances.
Gavin Newsom Softens His Stance on Transgender Issues
Newsom has recently pulled back from his full-throated support of allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports and has softened his position on funding gender transitions for minors.
However, these shifts are more about political expediency than moral awakening.
This is not a sign that Newsom or others like him have had a sudden change of heart on the issue.
While Newsom and others may be acknowledging the political costs of their previous positions, they remain resolute on one issue: parental rights, or rather, the lack thereof.
In a recent appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher, Newsom reaffirmed his support for California’s controversial ‘Safety Act,’ which he signed into law in 2023.
This law prevents schools from informing parents if their child requests a social transition, such as changing their name or pronouns.
The Problem with California’s ‘Safety Act’
Why does this matter so much? A social transition—where a child chooses a new name, pronouns, or even the right to use a different bathroom—is often the first step toward a medical transition, which can have irreversible consequences.
Puberty blockers, initially developed to treat cancer, are now being used off-label to prevent puberty in children, with long-term effects that are still poorly understood.
These drugs carry significant risks, including potential brain and bone development issues, and can lead to permanent infertility and cardiovascular problems.
There are also many reports of deep psychological distress from those who regret transitioning, known as ‘detransitioners.’ These stories are not isolated—many of them come from young women who feel that the medical system pushed them into irreversible procedures without addressing the root causes of their distress.
The Ideological Overreach of the ‘Safety Act’
Despite the mounting evidence and the growing number of ‘detransitioners,’ Newsom and others continue to defend the law.
When asked about the ‘Safety Act’ on Real Time, Newsom reiterated his belief that teachers should not be required to inform parents if a child wants to transition at school.
This response is deeply concerning, as it reflects a disregard for parental authority, and places ideological priorities above the well-being of children.
California’s ‘Safety Act’ is not about protecting children from abusive environments; there are already laws in place for that.
Instead, this law represents an overreach by progressives, undermining family unity and parental responsibility.
It’s a stance that should raise red flags for any parent, regardless of political affiliation.
The Importance of Parental Involvement
As a mother and someone who values the family unit, I believe the role of parents in their children’s lives is irreplaceable, especially when it comes to big decisions like gender transitions.
Validating a child’s gender dysphoria in secret, without parental involvement, is not about giving them space—it’s about removing the guidance that children desperately need during times of confusion and distress.
Social Contagion and Transgenderism Among Youth
It’s also worth noting that the surge in transgender identification, especially among adolescent girls, may be influenced by social contagion.
Just as we’ve seen trends like eating disorders and self-harm spread in waves, transgenderism has become a socially celebrated identity in many progressive circles, particularly in Hollywood.
While not every young person who identifies as transgender is influenced by this trend, parents should be wary of the sudden rise in gender dysphoria among children and teenagers.
Adolescents, especially girls, are often more vulnerable to social pressures and emotional distress, making it crucial for parents to carefully consider the underlying causes of these feelings rather than jumping to medical solutions.
The Call for Courage and Accountability
Ultimately, Newsom and other political leaders need to recognize that their positions have been shaped by a dangerous ideology.
If they are to regain the trust of parents and citizens, they need more than just political recalibration—they need moral courage.
A true reckoning would require these leaders to admit their mistakes and to confront an ideology that is deeply harming children.
For now, however, the message to parents remains stark: your role in your child’s life is secondary, your voice is disregarded, and your children are being used as political pawns.
This is unacceptable, and it cannot be allowed to continue.
Until these politicians confront the reality of what they’ve endorsed, parents must remain vigilant, for the sake of their children’s futures.
