Overview

• Buttigieg said decisions on transgender athletes’ participation belong with local sports leagues and school boards rather than Washington politicians.
• He stressed that policy must begin with compassion for transgender youth and empathy for families navigating identity questions.
• The former Transportation Secretary acknowledged “serious fairness issues” in women’s sports and affirmed that parents of cisgender girls have valid concerns.
• Buttigieg disavowed blanket federal bans enacted under President Trump and called for sport-specific guidelines recognizing differences between activities and competition levels.
• The Supreme Court will hear two cases on transgender athlete bans next term with a decision due by next summer as public support for inclusion continues to decline.