LGBTQ activists speak out after California ‘Save Girls Sports’ chant meets trans athlete
Transgender activists held a news conference at the California girls’ convention on Saturday, hours after “Save Girls Sports” protesters held a rally at the same convention.
It was the first round of the state championship, as the trans athlete competed against Jurupa Valley High School, winning first place in the high jump, triple jump and long jump.
The athlete’s mother, Nereyda Hernandez, spoke at a pro-transgender press conference, organized by LGBTQ rights groups “Rainbow Families Action,” and “Pride at the Pier” addressing former protesters.
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Nereyda Hernandez during the CIF Southern Section Division 5 girls volleyball playoffs on Oct. 22, 2025. (Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
“My daughter is still young,” she said. “Their behavior disturbed our peace.”
The mother went on to say that the attention and controversy surrounding her child competing in girls’ sports caused problems for her entire family, as well as the athlete’s partners, classmates and their families.
“The impact was so bad that I was forced to take a break from work because I had to focus on protecting my daughter’s safety and emotional well-being,” said the mother at a press conference.
“No parent should have to choose between their livelihood and protecting their child from abuse in society.
NEWSOM ‘UNFAIRLY’ SPEECH ON GIRLS’ SPORTS BELIEVES RECORD AS RULER: ‘ABSOLUTE BULLS—‘
Nereyda Hernandez talks with Placentia police officer Daniel Lee during the CIF Southern Section 5 girls volleyball playoff game against Valencia in Placentia, Calif., on Oct. 22, 2025. (Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
The parent of another California high school athlete, Trevor Norcross, thanked Gov. Gavin Newsom “condemned” the “Save Girls’ Games” protest, and asked for an audience with him.
“Governor Newsom, I appreciate you condemning the protest earlier this morning from the opposition here. But for too long, this debate has happened without the voices of trans athletes and their families. I’m here today to ask for a meeting with you, and to have a respectful conversation,” Norcross said.
“The people who had the greatest impact were not included in the discussion… we are asking for a seat at the table.”
A source in the governor’s office gave Fox News Digital a statement on the news that a “Save GIrls Sports” protest was planned for Saturday.
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“The Governor said discussions on this matter should be guided by fairness, dignity, and respect. He rejects the dishonest attempt by the right wing to frame this debate as an excuse to slander individual children. The Governor’s position is simple: stand with all children and stand up to bullies,” the statement reads.
“California is one of 22 states with laws requiring students to be allowed to participate in sex-segregated school sports that match their gender. California passed this law in 2013 (AB 1266) and it was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown.”
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