Kamala Harris discusses trans athletes & why she wouldn't 'turn on transgender people'

"Former Vice President Kamala Harris's upcoming memoir, , out Tuesday, arrives at a moment when transgender rights have become a central battleground in U.S. electoral politics. In it, Harris confronts not just her own record but the broader cultural storm swirling around trans athletes and the politics of fear. According to , Harris writes that she understands concerns from some parents and players about fairness in girls' athletics, especially in contact sports where "biological factors such as muscle mass" may produce what some consider unfair advantages. She insists that these challenges "can be resolved with goodwill and common sense ... without vilifying and demonizing children.""

"Research shows transgender athletes make up an exceedingly small share of competition; NCAA President Charlie Baker testified in 2024 that there were fewer than 10 transgender student-athletes among more than half a million nationwide. Medical experts note that puberty blockers, often prescribed to transgender youth, suppress sex hormones and delay physical changes like voice deepening, body hair growth, or breast development, which can reduce or prevent physiological differences that critics cite as unfair."

Kamala Harris acknowledges parental and player concerns about fairness in girls' athletics, particularly in contact sports where biological factors such as muscle mass may create perceived advantages. Harris advocates resolving those challenges with goodwill and common sense rather than vilifying children. Data indicate transgender athletes represent an extremely small share of competition, with fewer than ten among over half a million NCAA participants. Medical experts explain that puberty blockers and early transition-related care suppress sex hormones and delay physical changes, reducing or preventing physiological differences; testosterone suppression in trans women can decrease muscle mass and strength over time. Harris portrays hostile political rhetoric as placing transgender people in danger.

Read at Advocate.com