Women are speaking out against California Governor Gavin Newsom over rules allowing trans athletes in girls’ categories across multiple competitions, including track and field, skateboarding, and other events where the issue has already stirred debate.
At a recent CIF Southern Section Division 3 preliminaries meet in Yorba Linda, AB Hernandez, a senior from Jurupa Valley, delivered standout results in the jumping events against female competitors.
Hernandez recorded 42 feet, 4 inches in the triple jump, well ahead of the closest marks of 39 feet, 7 1/2 inches and 37 feet, 8 inches.
In the long jump, Hernandez reached 20 feet, 4 1/4 inches, more than a foot ahead of the runner up at 19 feet, 1 1/2 inches.
In the high jump, Hernandez shared first place after clearing 5 feet, 2 inches alongside Reese Hogan.
Those results added fuel to an already heated debate that has been building across California and beyond, with critics saying the current rules create an uneven field for girls competing in these categories.
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Outside the meet, groups gathered in protest calling for changes to how girls’ categories are defined in California events.
Some held signs and spoke directly about concerns that female athletes are being placed at a disadvantage.
The discussion has moved far beyond track and field, reaching into skateboarding and other disciplines where girls compete in separate divisions.
In skateboarding specifically, the issue has been highlighted before.
Former Boonies pro skater Taylor Silverman publicly said she lost in a contest to a trans athlete and raised concerns afterward about fairness in women’s divisions.
READ MORE: Taylor Silverman Complained to Red Bull After Losing to a Transgender Skateboarder in Contest
Shiloh Catori also drew attention after competing in an event where trans pro skater Ricci Tres took first place, adding to ongoing debate within skateboarding circles about how categories should be structured.
READ MORE: Shiloh Catori on Losing to Ricci Tres, “Let’s Find a Way to Love, Include And Respect Everyone”
Supporters of current policies argue inclusion is important, while critics say the structure needs adjustment to keep girls’ divisions fair and consistent across all competitions, from school athletics to action sports like skateboarding.
The conversation has also reached legal and political levels.
The US Department of Justice is pursuing action against California over its trans athlete rules, while the US Department of Education is investigating several schools and athletic bodies in the state for possible Title IX issues tied to participation in girls’ categories.
Public figures have also weighed in.
Tennis champion Martina Navratilova has been outspoken on the topic, backing athletes who argue for female-only divisions and stating that policy changes could be made quickly at the state level.
As protests continue and more athletes across sports speak out, skateboarding remains part of a wider discussion about how girls’ divisions are defined and how competitions are structured moving forward.