Statements of Support for Trans Youth and AB Hernandez
On Saturday, May 29, we worked with Rainbow Families Action to hold a press conference outside of the CIF State Track and Field Championships in Clovis, CA. The purpose of this press conference was to celebrate the athletic career, joy, and resilience of trans athlete AB Hernandez. As a coalition, we reached out to a number of political candidates, current elected officials, and community leaders for statements of support. These are the statements that were returned to us.
AB Hernandez with her allies, supporters, and family at the conclusion of the CIF State Track & Field Championship on May 29, 2026
“Thank you for reading this statement on behalf of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus. Today, we stand in support of all young people, including transgender youth, having the opportunity to participate in sports safely, openly, and authentically. School sports are about far more than wins and losses. They build confidence, teamwork, community, and belonging. Every student deserves the chance to experience that and receive the full academic, mental health and well-being benefits that come from them.
For more than a decade, California law has protected transgender students’ ability to participate in school programs and activities consistent with their gender identity. These policies have helped foster school environments rooted in dignity, inclusion, and respect – and they are working. No child should be singled out, targeted, or politicized simply for being who they are. Transgender youth deserve the same opportunities as every other student: to learn, to grow, to build friendships, and to experience the joy and community that sports can provide.
To every LGBTQ+ young person here and watching today: you belong, you are valued, and we will continue fighting to ensure you can live openly and safely as your full self. And last, but most certainly not least, AB Hernandez: we are proud of your courage, your perseverance, and your accomplishments – both on and off the field.”
- Submitted by the CA LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus (Senator Christopher Cabaldon (District 3), Senator Sabrina Cervantes - Vice Chair (District 31), Senator John Laird (District 17), Senator Caroline Menjivar (District 20), Senator Steve Padilla (District 18), Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (District 25), Senator Scott Wiener (District 11), Assemblymember Sade Elhawary (District 57), Assemblymember Mark González (District 54), Assemblymember Corey Jackson (District 60), Assemblymember Alex Lee (District 24), Assemblymember José Luis Solache (District 62), Assemblymember Christopher Ward - Chair (District 78), Assemblymember Rick Zbur (District 51)
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“California will always believe where every kid deserves the chance to belong, to compete, and to be seen. I stand with AB. I stand with her family. And I stand with every transgender young person in California who is watching how we respond in this moment. We see you. We hear you. And we are going to continue to stand up for you and the entire community”
- Submitted by Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Josh Lowenthal (District 69)
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“Thank you, Mr. Norcross, for reading this statement. I wish I could be with you in person. Today is about more than sports. It is about ensuring every young person has the freedom to participate in one of America’s great pastimes as their full selves — without fear, shame, or intimidation.
AB Hernandez and her peers embody true resilience. In the face of relentless cruelty and attacks from obsessed adults, they continue to rise with determination, grace, and pride. This is true strength. California is strongest when we choose to uplift one another. As an Assemblymember, I remain committed to protecting the rights, dignity, and humanity of every person in our state. No student athlete should be diminished, and no child should ever be the target of political attacks.
Our values are not tested when standing up is easy. They are tested in moments exactly like this. To every LGBTQ+ young person: you are seen, you are valued, you deserve to live openly and safely in your community, and I will continue fighting for you. AB, today we celebrate not only your accomplishments on the track, but also the courage you have shown beyond it. We are proud of you.”
- Submitted by Assemblymember Dawn Addis, (District 30)
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“I am writing this as a parent whose daughter has been participating in the same Division with AB for the past 2 years, and will do so again this weekend. The media likes to paint a picture of a lack of respect for AB’s achievements among other athletes. Based on our experience, that isn't what we see. I see a group of girls who cheer each other on, give high fives, and when things don’t go as well as they hoped, a hug or a ‘you got this’. Each girl is out there trying to do THEIR best. They know their PRs, and it’s them against that.
The most enjoyable part of meets for my daughter is the camaraderie, encouragement, and positivity. I hope going forward, we will all find a way to focus on this. We have great respect for AB and consider her a positive role model for her fellow athletes, and she has always returned that respect. We wish her all the best this weekend and in her future endeavors.”
- Submitted by Natasha Byus, mother of cisgender athlete competing alongside AB Hernandez
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“Last week, the West Hollywood City Council honored and recognized AB Hernandez, an extraordinary student-athlete whose talent, dedication, and hard work have made her one of California’s standout track-and-field competitors. No young person should have to endure harassment simply for being who they are. Yet AB has faced intense bullying and discrimination because she is transgender.
I am proud to be running for city council in West Hollywood where we believe every athlete deserves the chance to compete, belong, and thrive. Sports should be about talent, determination, teamwork, and joy. Not exclusion, fear, or bullying. As Pride Month begins, we stand proudly with AB, with transgender youth, and with all LGBTQ+ athletes. Thank you for your courage, your resilience, and for inspiring so many others to pursue their dreams.”
- Submitted by Stephen Post, candidate for West Hollywood City Council
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"As governor, I will always stand with trans athletes. Sports create a space for young people to find a sense of community and camaraderie. Trans youth face incredible barriers to belonging, and we must create spaces where trans athletes feel welcomed and respected."
- Submitted by Tom Steyer, Governor Candidate for California
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“Trans people are people, and as governor I will use every power of that office to protect their rights. I’ve been on the right side of these fights long before it was popular — in 1996, I was one of only 67 in Congress to stand up against the Defense of Marriage Act. I’ll always choose the right side of history over the easy side.”
— Submitted by Xavier Becerra, Governor Candidate for California
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“In these times of rising strife and division it’s incredibly important that we stand up for every American’s right to exist free of oppression, particularly our trans brothers and sisters. Cowardly and hateful bigots are attempting to erase the trans community from existing, and it is our duty to respond. Trans people deserve the same freedoms as everyone else, including the freedom to play sports, obtain medical care, and to simply walk down the street and exist without worrying for their lives. As a former professional athlete, this push to vilify trans athletes has nothing to do with fairness in competition, and everything to do with a rancid political movement that offers nothing but anger and petty grievances. I support trans athletes and I support trans rights, just like I support the right for every American to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.”
- Submitted by Chris Kluwe, candidate for AD 72
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“Rainbow Families Action is a community of parents of trans and gender-expansive youth, along with allies, in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. We came together in response to escalating attacks on trans youth and their families. Our mission is to build a world where trans and gender-expansive young people can live authentically, safely, and freely.
Part of that mission is celebrating and honoring the people who inspire us, and there are very few people in the country who mean more to our families than AB Hernandez. By the sheer act of focusing on what she loves to do best, she’s paved the way for so many of our children to imagine a different future where courage and joy are celebrated, regardless of who you are. As AB herself says, the bullies chose the wrong girl to pick on, and she gives us all more courage every day to fight for the right of our kids to be fully who they are. This special day reminds us all what an incredible career she’s had, and what a joy it has been to see her excel in all her authenticity. Go get ‘em, AB!”
- Submitted by Rainbow Families Action
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“Dear AB, you are amazing at track and field and don’t let anyone take that away from you. Keep fighting. There are people who appreciate it, even if you may not see it. I’m so sorry you have to go through this, but just know there are people on your side. We are cheering you on. Good luck!”
- Submitted by a fellow trans athlete in CA (Pride at the Pier note - there are fewer than 10 trans athletes in CA, out of 821,586 competing in the CIF, from over 1,600 member schools across the state)
Disclaimer: The presence of these statements on our website and having been read in our press conference should not be taken as endorsements of any partisan political candidate. We are grateful for anyone with our voice in political and community discourse who chooses to use their influence to speak up for trans youth in CA.
