Story perspectives

Newsom Faces Backlash Over Grindr Joke, Trans Rights Remarks

3/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

California Governor Gavin Newsom's press office used Grindr as a punchline in social posts targeting Benny Johnson, triggering backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates.
Critics say that Newsom's remarks urging Democrats to focus less on pronouns and identity politics marginalize transgender people amid ongoing debates over transgender rights.
Newsom defended his record on transgender rights in a recent interview about fairness in sports.
Critics remained unconvinced, viewing his rhetoric as contradictory to his past advocacy.

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Story summary

California Governor Gavin Newsom's press office used Grindr as a punchline in social posts targeting Benny Johnson, triggering backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates.
Critics say that Newsom's remarks urging Democrats to focus less on pronouns and identity politics marginalize transgender people amid ongoing debates over transgender rights.
Newsom defended his record on transgender rights in a recent interview about fairness in sports.
Critics remained unconvinced, viewing his rhetoric as contradictory to his past advocacy.