MINEOLA, N.Y. (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — Caitlyn Jenner visited Long Island Monday to help Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s questionable executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in female and children’s activities at county-run facilities.
Jenner, a past gold medal-winning Olympic gymnast, is among the most high-profile transgender people in America. Although her views on some issues have put her at odds with many in the LGBTQ community, she has been open about her identity and transition, actually appearing in the reality series “I Am Cait.”
Jenner and Blakeman, both Republicans, appeared Monday at the county executive office in Mineola, where Jenner backed the order that Blakeman signed last month.
From the floor, Jenner said, “I flew around this morning to stand with Nassau County in their fight for the protection of women and girls in sports.” “Come lead the way for all sports.”
“Meet me now in New York’s Nassau County, where I will be making notes, and standing with the citizens of Nassau County in SUING NY AG @TishJames. All we want to do is keep women and girls gymnastics, which is what we intend to accomplish.”
— Caitlyn Jenner (@Caitlyn_Jenner) March 18, 2024
Jenner, 74, claimed that she has empathy for all LGBT people because she is a transgender person, but that biological realities exist that allow for advantages and also harm when trans women or biological men compete against women.
“We are at a juncture,” Jenner said. “Athletic governing bodies, administrative systems, executive steps, legislative bodies are all grappling with how to manage the topic of transgender players.”
Jenner criticized New York Attorney General Letitia James for working to overturn the county’s restrictions on transgender athletes and accused the state’s leading counsel of using LGBT people for political gain.
“If the left wants to fight this war on this battlefield, it’s a lost fight,” Jenner said, pointing to national rights for women and girls.
A small number of studies provide support for both the proponents and opponents of transgender athletes’ participation. Proponents of restrictions also frequently make claims that the federal law known as Title IX squanders the space that was carved out for transgender women and girls by them.
Jenner is no stranger to the world of sports—prior to her transition in 2015, she won gold in the men’s decathlon at the 1976 Olympic Games.
Blakeman claimed that the priority of the order has always been to promote fair sporting competitions and stop discrimination against trans people.
“As I’ve already stated, my executive order has one goal: to ensure that there is fair and healthy competition in Nassau County and that we protect women and girls,” he said.
The New York LGBT Network’s president, David Kilmnick, said in a statement that “Caitlyn Jenner’s support for anti-LGBT activities stands in a puzzling contradiction to her own identity and the struggles she has faced as a trans person.”
“It is hypocritical and harmful to support policies or ideologies that violate the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ people,” Kilmnick said.
According to Kilmnick, Jenner’s support of these positions “not only perpetuates discrimination but also contributes to the rise in violent and hate crimes against transgender people.” “It can be disheartening to see someone who has faced the challenges of being marginalized actively contribute to oppression in their own community. These actions only amplify the voices of intolerance and undermine the efforts made collectively to create a more inclusive society.”
Blakeman’s order has faced criticism since he signed it on Feb. 22.
In accordance with the order, representatives from girls’ sports teams and leagues must write informing each other that transgender athletes are not competing in girls’ sports to obtain licenses and use permits at about 100 county-run or county-owned athletic facilities or ball fields. The facilities are used by public schools, private schools, and colleges.
The county was sued by the county last week over the ban, alleging that it is in contravention of New York’s Human Rights Law and Civil Rights Law, which forbids discrimination based on gender identity.
“Trans people who play sports need support and affirmation, not to be a political target,” said Gabriella Larios, staff attorney at the NYCLU, said in a statement.
“The cynical attempt by Nassau County to keep them out of public spaces is a flagrant violation of the state’s civil and human rights laws,” Larios said. “It also speaks to growing, nationwide attacks against LGBTQ+ rights, and we won’t stand for this hatred here in New York.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, said Blakeman was “trying to score cheap political points by putting a target on the backs of some of our state’s most vulnerable children.”
James, also a Democrat, sent a cease-and-desist order to the county demanding that it rescind the order or face legal action—prompting Blak
eman to sue the attorney general’s office, arguing James’ letter violates the U.S. Constitution’s “equal protection” clause.
This report was written by The Associated Press.
