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“I absolutely think we need to have this conversation because of Trump’s threats,” Moulton told The Advocate.
U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, a Massachusetts Democrat with a long record of supporting LGBTQ+ rights, is navigating criticism after comments he made about the need for the Democratic Party to rethink its approach to transgender issues in the aftermath of the 2024 election. In an interview recently with The Advocate, Moulton addressed the controversy and defended his intentions.
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In aninterview with The New York Times last week, two days after the election, Moulton expressed concerns about transgender athletes’ participation in girls’ sports, saying, “I have two little girls. I don’t want them getting run over on a playing field by a male or formerly male athlete.”
LGBTQ+ advocates and some fellow Democrats criticized the remarks, which they say perpetuate harmful stereotypes and misunderstandings about transgender people.
Moulton began by clarifying his earlier remarks, which were widely interpreted as suggesting the Democratic Party had mishandled its position on trans rights. “What I said is that we have to be willing to have difficult discussions about contentious issues in the Democratic Party,” he told The Advocate. “I listed a number of issues— from the economy to immigration to trans rights—and I didn’t take a position on anything per se. I just said, as a dad, this is something I think about, and I know others do, too.”
Moulton stressed that his comments were not meant to undermine transgender rights but to highlight what he thinks is the necessity of addressing Republican attacks head-on. Citing data from a recent post-election Blueprint poll, Moulton noted that cultural issues, including transgender rights, were decisive factors for many swing voters who backed President-elect Donald Trump. According to the survey, swing voters ranked cultural issues higher than even inflation as a reason for their decision, with one of the most frequent criticisms being that Vice President Kamala Harris cared more about trans people than the middle class.
“The reality, whether we like it or not, is that voters were thinking about this issue because Republicans ran hateful but effective ads,” Moulton said. “If we refuse to engage, then Republicans are going to define the terms of the debate. And when they do that, a lot of people are going to get hurt.”
Moulton addressed the Republican Party’s use of disinformation about transgender youth, particularly surrounding access to gender-affirming care. He criticized Democrats for what he described as a failure to adequately respond to Republican attacks, which he argued have contributed to a rise in violence and stigma against transgender people.
“I absolutely think we need to have this conversation because of Trump’s threats,” Moulton said, referring to misleading claims that minors were receiving gender-affirming care in schools without parental knowledge. He noted that misinformation, such as claims made by Trump during the campaign, fuels public misconceptions and endangers vulnerable communities.
“I know that the parents of trans kids are literally worrying about their children getting beat up every single day,” he said. “And, of course, that’s gotten worse and probably will get even worse in the next four years.”
Related: Oklahoma school district where trans teen Nex Benedict died violated Title IX, Department of Education finds
Moulton expressed frustration with the Democratic Party’s approach to these issues, criticizing the vice president’s campaign strategy for avoiding cultural debates. “I think it was a huge mistake for Kamala Harris to just dodge questions and ignore the attacks rather than forcefully respond, not only to correct the record on issues like this where Trump was peddling disinformation but also to win over Americans who care about civil rights,” he said. “Who don’t want any kids to be attacked at school for who they are.”
A key theme of the conversation was Moulton’s belief that Democrats need to listen more to understand voters’ concerns, even when those concerns are shaped by misinformation or prejudice. He pointed out that he has spoken with parents of transgender children in recent days and has encountered a variety of perspectives. “One parent told me they agree there should be restrictions [on trans athletes], while another was completely offended by the idea of even having this discussion,” Moulton said. “We need to hear these diverse views and engage in thoughtful debate.”
Moulton acknowledged the criticism he faced for his comments about his own daughters who play in coed groups and the framing of trans inclusion in sports. He said that his remarks were not about his young children’s immediate experience but about higher-level competitive sports. “I’m not claiming to have all the answers,” he said. “I support evidence-based, sport-by-sport policies—like the Olympics—that prioritize fairness and safety. What I’m saying is that Democrats need to lead this discussion because otherwise, the Republicans will set the rules.”
According to a 2024 editorial by The Harvard Crimson, out of over 500,000 National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes, only about 40 are transgender—less than 0.008 percent. According to recent American Civil Liberties Union data, out of 532 anti-LGBTQ+ pieces of legislation, 38 bills across 19 states aim to restrict transgender students’ participation in school sports. Eight of these have passed into law, and others are advancing through state legislatures. These measures, framed by proponents as preserving fairness in competition, are widely criticized by LGBTQ+ advocacy groups as discriminatory and harmful.
“I think that our refusal to engage in this debate, to answer the Republicans’ attacks, did a great disservice to the trans community,” Moulton said.
GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis weighed in on Moulton’s remarks and the broader political climate. In a statement, Ellis urged public figures to treat discussions about transgender people with care and accuracy.
“Fewer than a third of Americans say they personally know a transgender person, so it is imperative that media and public figures take great care to talk about trans people with accuracy and compassion,” Ellis said. She noted that for many, media representations and public discussions are their first introduction to transgender issues. “Trans people are human beings who want to be seen and treated the same as everyone else—not as political talking points or a ‘side’ in a debate.”
Ellis also emphasized the importance of understanding the real-world impacts of political rhetoric, adding that leaders like Moulton must ensure their words do not unintentionally perpetuate harm.
“Rep. Moulton and others concerned about ‘cancel culture’ must stay true to their word and put in the honest effort to talk with and learn from all people affected by what is being said and done,” she said.
Ash Lazarus Orr, press relations manager for Advocates for Trans Equality, offered a sharp critique of Moulton’s remarks surrounding transgender issues in the wake of the election.
“People are exhausted by the petty, destructive politics that tear us apart. It’s time to move forward together and create a new path, one focused on unity and progress. Now more than ever, Americans are working tirelessly to make ends meet, and we need leaders who prioritize the needs of the people, not politicians who seek to incite division for personal gain,” Orr told The Advocate. “By targeting the trans community and denying us the right to live safe, healthy lives, these politicians are distracting from the real challenges facing Americans—issues like underfunded schools, rising living costs, and climate change.”
He added: “Everyone, including trans people, deserves the opportunity to be healthy, safe, and supported in living authentically. It’s time to focus on what truly matters: building a better future for all.”
Orr strongly criticized policies excluding trans kids from athletics.
“Trans students participate in school sports for the same reasons as anyone else: for the opportunity to learn and play, be part of a team, find role models, develop leadership skills and confidence, nurture friendships, and be physically active,” he said. “Excluding trans athletes from sports harms an already marginalized group and does nothing to promote safety, inclusion, or fairness.”
Schools and athletic organizations have created fair policies around sports participation, Orr said. “These tailored approaches are far more effective than broad, one-size-fits-all bans,” he explained.
Moulton’s arguments about the political salience of trans rights affecting voter behavior aren’t borne out by data from the Human Rights Campaign, which found that anti-trans rhetoric had little influence on most voters. According to HRC’s post-election poll, only 4 percent of voters identified policies targeting transgender people as a key factor in their decision.
Moulton reiterated his belief that ignoring the topic is not a winning strategy for Democrats.
“You don’t help a persecuted community by ignoring [Republican arguments],” he said, adding that Democrats need a robust plan to counter misinformation and engage voters effectively. “Sometimes it feels like we’re banning debate while Republicans are banning books, and that doesn’t help anyone.”
Throughout the interview, Moulton emphasized his “unwavering” commitment to LGBTQ+ rights, citing his co-authorship of the 988 mental health hotline, which supports LGBTQ+ youth, and his advocacy for veterans discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” He expressed optimism that the recent backlash could pave the way for more conversations within the Democratic Party. “I’ve had wonderful conversations with members of the LGBTQ and trans communities and with Democratic leadership about the importance of having these discussions,” he said. “I think you’re going to see real progress soon.” He added, “Fear not, I’m with you.”
Ellis acknowledged the congressman’s willingness to seek LGBTQ+ voices in his decision-making. “Rep. Moulton said he has been talking with LGBTQ people, which is a lesson to all public figures, to first seek to understand a vulnerable community and where they are coming from and the impacts they are facing before talking about them and boosting your own opinions and fears,” she said.
Moulton concluded by reflecting on his motivations and the criticism he has faced. “I understand that some people might be offended, but I hope you can understand how sincere I am about doing the tough work, including putting myself out there in the face of criticism, to ensure we make progress on these issues,” Moulton said. “We can’t just let Republicans win this debate.”
