California's Girls' Sports Culture War Intensifies with Massive Protest, Controversy Over Track Title

Dozens of female athletes rally against state policies allowing transgender athletes, as governor calls male participation "deeply unfair"

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The debate over biological males competing in girls' sports in California has reignited, with a large-scale protest at a state high school sports meeting and controversy over a recent girls' track and field meet. Female athletes, families, politicians, and activists rallied outside the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) council meeting to voice their concerns, while a transgender athlete won first place in the girls' triple jump at a state championship. The issue has drawn national attention, with the U.S. Department of Education launching investigations into California schools over potential Title IX violations.

Why it matters

California has become the epicenter of the national debate over transgender athletes in girls' sports, with the state facing a lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice for its policies. The issue has sparked intense emotions and protests from female athletes who feel their opportunities are being unfairly taken away, while supporters argue that transgender students should be able to participate with their peers. The controversy highlights the ongoing cultural and political tensions around this issue.

The details

At the CIF council meeting, dozens of female athletes and their families rallied outside to protest the state's policies allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls' sports. Speakers included high school athletes, politicians, and activists who shared personal experiences and concerns about the impact of transgender competitors. Inside the meeting, speakers on both sides of the issue delivered emotional speeches, but the council members did not address the issue of protecting girls' sports. The day after the meeting, a prominent transgender athlete for Jurupa Valley High School won first place in the girls' triple jump at a state championship, further fueling the controversy.

  • The protest rally took place on Friday, February 10, 2026 outside the CIF council meeting in Long Beach.
  • The transgender athlete's victory in the girls' triple jump occurred on Saturday, February 11, 2026 at the VS California Winter Championships.

The players

Sophia Lorey

Outreach director for the California Family Council, who said the rally was the largest they've held in recent years.

Hadeel Hazameh

Former Jurupa Valley High School student athlete who had to graduate early after speaking out against a transgender teammate on her track and field and volleyball teams.

Celeste Duyst

Arroyo Grande High School student athlete who recalled an alleged experience of a biological male transgender athlete watching her and other girls change in the locker room.

Reese Hogan

Crean Lutheran High School student who went viral last spring for stepping onto the first place spot on a medal podium at a CIF postseason meet, right after the transgender athlete who finished above her stepped off.

Gavin Newsom

California Governor who said he believes males competing in girls' sports is "deeply unfair" but has not taken any action to address the situation.

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What they’re saying

“Martin Luther King did not march so these trans people, or whatever they are, can use our civil rights to push trans drugs on kids!”

— Tish Hyman, Singer and Los Angeles mayoral candidate (Fox News Digital)

“On May 4th, 2024, May 10th, 2025, May 17th, 2025, May 30th, 2025, and January 31st, 2026, I competed in meets where I lost to a male athlete competing in a girl's track and field. These are not isolated incidents, they are repeated moments where female athletes like were directly affected by policies that ignore reality”

— Reese Hogan, Crean Lutheran High School student (Fox News Digital)

“This is not about fairness. It's not about protecting girls. It's about making life harder for young people who are already being pushed to the margins. Transgender students are not trying to cheat or steal trophies. They just want to play with their friends.”

— Kristen Burzynski, ACLU of Southern California attorney (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the transgender athlete from Jurupa Valley High School to continue competing in girls' events.

The takeaway

The ongoing debate over transgender athletes in girls' sports in California has become a flashpoint, with female athletes, families, and politicians protesting state policies that they believe are unfairly disadvantaging cisgender girls. The controversy highlights the deep cultural and political divisions around this issue, and the challenges in balancing inclusivity and fairness in high school sports.