Trans athletes face intense efforts to sideline them. These California teens are resisting - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Kevin Rector

February 22, 2026

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The debate over transgender athletes' participation in school sports has intensified in California, with conflicting perspectives emerging from both sides. At a recent meeting of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), two seniors from Arroyo Grande High School expressed concerns about a transgender peer on their track team and alleged locker room monitoring. One student cited religious beliefs, while another criticized CIF for prioritizing transgender ideology over girls' privacy. In contrast, Trevor Norcross, father of 17-year-old transgender athlete Lily Norcross, defended her right to use the locker room for safety reasons, emphasizing that she only used it briefly due to medical needs. The conflict extends beyond individual cases, with a coordinated effort at local, state, and national levels to overturn California's trans-inclusive sports policies. Conservative groups and some cisgender athletes argue against these policies, claiming they undermine privacy and fairness. This movement gained momentum under the Trump administration, which sued California over its inclusive policies, alleging violations of Title IX. The legal battle could have significant national implications, potentially sidelining transgender athletes across the U.S. Transgender teens like Lily Norcross face intense pressure but remain resolute in their fight. "If I stop doing sports, they win," she stated, highlighting her determination to challenge discrimination. These athletes are not just defending their right to compete but also inspiring allies and sparking broader discussions on equality in sports. This issue matters as it touches on fundamental questions of fairness, privacy, and inclusion. The outcome could set a precedent for transgender rights in school athletics nationwide. As the debate escalates, with pending Supreme Court decisions, the eyes of the nation remain on California's stance on transgender athletes'

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/22/2026