In the wake of a polarizing election that saw President-elect Donald Trump defeat Vice President Kamala Harris, political fault lines are deepening within the Democratic Party. Amidst these fractures, two prominent House Democrats, Reps. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) and Seth Moulton (D-MA), have publicly expressed their opposition to transgender athletes competing in women’s sports—a significant shift from their previous stances supporting transgender rights. This reversal has triggered a wave of criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and raised concerns about the Democratic Party’s commitment to defending transgender individuals.
The shift by Suozzi and Moulton comes at a time when Republicans are aggressively campaigning on anti-trans platforms, spending over $215 million on ads that disparage Democrats for their support of transgender athletes. Suozzi and Moulton, both re-elected with endorsements from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), now say that Democrats need to “stop pandering to the far left.” The statements have spurred outrage from LGBTQ+ leaders, who view this as a betrayal of values the Democratic Party has long espoused.
From Trans Rights Champions to Critics
Suozzi, who re-entered Congress after a failed gubernatorial bid in New York and subsequent special election victory, has a record of supporting LGBTQ+ protections. In his previous term, Suozzi backed the Equality Act, which would make gender identity and sexual orientation federally protected classes, and endorsed GLSEN’s efforts to address anti-LGBTQ+ bullying. Yet, his recent comments reveal a stark departure from his earlier positions. “I don’t want to discriminate against anybody, but I don’t think biological boys should be playing in girls’ sports,” Suozzi said, according to The New York Times. “Democrats aren’t saying that, and they should be.”
Similarly, Moulton, who has consistently voted for LGBTQ+ protections since his election in 2015, echoed Suozzi’s concerns. Citing his two daughters, Moulton said he didn’t want them “getting run over on a playing field by a male or formerly male athlete.” His remarks underscored what he perceives as the Democrats’ failure to address Americans’ concerns: “Democrats spend way too much time trying not to offend anyone rather than being brutally honest about the challenges many Americans face.”
Both Suozzi and Moulton have previously cosponsored the Congressional Equality Caucus’s Transgender Bill of Rights, which upholds transgender athletes’ rights to play on teams matching their gender identity. However, in response to mounting Republican criticism, these lawmakers now seem hesitant to champion the trans-inclusive policies they once backed.
LGBTQ+ Backlash and Advocacy Concerns
The comments from Suozzi and Moulton have drawn immediate criticism from LGBTQ+ activists and advocacy groups who feel that Democrats are retreating on commitments to protect transgender rights. Elisa Crespo, executive director of the New Pride Agenda, responded fiercely, saying, “The notion that Democrats are doing poorly because they offer even lackluster support for trans people is not only insulting but dangerous rhetoric coming from a sitting Congressmember.” Crespo’s concerns underscore a fear that this shift could legitimize anti-trans stances and set back hard-won progress in LGBTQ+ rights.
Allen Roskoff, president of the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, called Suozzi’s comments “disgraceful, bigoted, and dangerous.” Roskoff criticized Democrats who align with Republican messaging on transgender rights, stating, “People should not be bullying such a small minority of the population, and it’s bullying of transgender youth, and it’s a Republican talking point full of hate.” Roskoff further urged LGBTQ+ voters to remember Suozzi’s remarks in the next election, signaling potential political consequences for Democrats who waver on these issues.
A Broader Democratic Divide
The shift by Suozzi and Moulton reflects a larger tension within the Democratic Party, with some moderate members blaming progressive positions on transgender issues for recent electoral losses. In mid-October, Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX) released an ad opposing transgender athletes in women’s sports, a stance that aligns more with his Republican opponent, Sen. Ted Cruz, than with traditional Democratic values. Similar sentiments have surfaced in other key races, with Republicans using trans issues as a wedge to attract conservative-leaning voters.
Some Democratic strategists warn that adopting right-leaning stances on transgender issues risks alienating core constituencies. Democratic consultant Matthew Albert advised against such rhetoric, arguing that inflation and economic concerns were the dominant issues in the election, not transgender rights. “Using rhetoric from the right-wing playbook only sets us back further,” Albert said.
Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) echoed this sentiment, cautioning against internal Democratic infighting. “I’m not going to pit one group against the other,” she said. “This is how Republicans win, by dividing our communities and dividing our base.” Many Democrats, especially progressives, argue that defending transgender rights is both a moral imperative and a practical strategy for building a unified party base.
A Misplaced Blame for Election Losses?
In the 2024 election, only 4% of voters cited trans issues as a decisive factor, according to exit polls. Nevertheless, Suozzi and Moulton’s comments suggest a belief that addressing transgender rights is hurting the Democratic Party at the polls. This notion has left LGBTQ+ advocates frustrated, as it suggests that protecting trans youth is viewed as an expendable issue rather than a core tenet of Democratic values.
Brandon Wolf, press secretary for HRC, expressed disappointment with these lawmakers’ comments, noting that anti-trans attacks are not driving electoral outcomes. “Blaming those who have long been in the MAGA crosshairs won’t help us build the path forward,” he said. Wolf’s response highlights the challenge Democrats face in balancing support for transgender rights while appealing to a broad, ideologically diverse electorate.
The Fight Ahead for Transgender Rights
The fallout from Suozzi and Moulton’s comments illustrates the broader struggle within the Democratic Party over how to approach LGBTQ+ rights amidst a rising tide of Republican opposition. Transgender rights, especially the right to participate in sports according to gender identity, have become a flashpoint in the political culture wars, with over half of U.S. states enacting laws to restrict transgender athletes. While the battle is often framed as a divisive cultural issue, transgender advocates emphasize that these rights are about ensuring basic protections for a marginalized group.
As trans rights increasingly come under attack, LGBTQ+ activists are calling for Democrats to take a firm stand. On election night in New York, Democrats put up a fierce fight to pass the Equal Rights Amendment, affirming protections for gender identity. Despite Republican fearmongering around the amendment, voters sided with the amendment in significant numbers—a hopeful sign for those who believe in trans-inclusive policies.
However, recent comments by figures like Suozzi and Moulton raise questions about the Democratic Party’s future stance on transgender rights. LGBTQ+ leaders fear that Democrats’ turn to more conservative rhetoric could erode trust among marginalized communities that rely on Democratic lawmakers to protect their rights.
The Bottom Line
The Democratic Party now faces a critical choice: Will it stand firm in its support for transgender individuals, or will it capitulate to fears of electoral backlash? For many transgender advocates, the answer is clear. As Roskoff put it, “The future of the Democratic Party lies with those who stand by marginalized communities and refuse to play into hateful rhetoric.” The growing backlash against lawmakers who backpedal on LGBTQ+ protections may ultimately force the Democratic Party to re-evaluate its approach.
For now, the divide within the Democratic Party remains, with Suozzi and Moulton’s comments signaling a possible shift away from a traditionally trans-supportive stance. As LGBTQ+ advocates continue their fight for acceptance, they hope to see the Democratic Party reaffirm its commitment to equality and justice for all. The stakes are high, and the outcome could shape the future of transgender rights in America.
