Gallego Faces Backlash from LGBTQ+ Groups After Supportive Stance

A week after Sen. Ruben Gallego, a progressive Democrat, expressed that transgender girls should not compete in youth sports, organizations that previously supported his political rise are urging him to reconsider his stance or face potential backlash. In a recent interview with The Dispatch, Gallego noted that discussions surrounding transgender youth in athletics should occur at the local level rather than federally. He acknowledged what he termed “legitimate” concerns from both transgender and cisgender parents.

This shift in position is notable; just last March, Gallego voted against Senate Bill S.9, which aimed to redefine sex under Title IX based solely on a person’s reproductive biology at birth. That legislation would have excluded transgender students from participating in sports that align with their gender identity, thereby overriding inclusive policies in various states and school districts. Now, many of his supporters are questioning his commitment to civil rights for the transgender community.

Phoenix Pride expressed its dismay, labeling Gallego’s remarks a betrayal. The organization questioned the genuineness of his past engagements at LGBTQ+ events, many of which were timed with election cycles. They have called on him to either retract or amend his statements, highlighting the potential harm to transgender youth. “The LGBTQ+ community supported Sen. Gallego when he needed our votes,” they noted. “We expected that support to extend to all of us—especially trans youth.”

Michael Soto, president and CEO of Equality Arizona, emphasized the contrast between inclusive and exclusionary traditions in American society. He criticized Gallego for aligning with those who seek to marginalize transgender individuals. “When a leader chooses exclusion, they fail to lead,” Soto said, urging that fairness in sports should not come at the expense of civil rights.

The ACLU of Arizona also condemned Gallego’s remarks. Katelynn Contreras, the organization’s policy strategist, argued that his statements contribute to a broader effort to push transgender individuals out of public life. “Sen. Gallego campaigned as a fighter for the LGBTQ+ community, but now he’s made it harder for students to feel supported,” she stated.

National organizations that once endorsed Gallego, such as the Human Rights Campaign and Planned Parenthood Action Fund, are now reevaluating their support. Brandon Wolf, HRC’s national press secretary, remarked, “No one’s political ambitions will be buoyed by betraying our most vulnerable communities.”

GLAAD recently highlighted that such bans on sports participation are part of an increasing trend of anti-trans legislation encompassing healthcare and educational access. Attempts to reach Gallego’s office for a response yielded no further comments from his press secretary.