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Sen. Sarlo’s dangerous rhetoric targets trans community, betrays Democratic values

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Sen. Sarlo’s dangerous rhetoric targets trans community, betrays Democratic values

By Special to the New Jersey Monitor
Sen. Sarlo’s dangerous rhetoric targets trans community, betrays Democratic values
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Sen Paul Sarlo's recent remarks about transgender athletes added to the fear and dehumanization felt by transgender people, Louise Walpin writes. (Hal Brown for New Jersey Monitor)

By Louise Walpin

In a recent interview with Steve Adubato, Sen. Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen) abandoned Democratic principles by embracing divisive, MAGA-inspired rhetoric aimed at the transgender community.

Referring to transgender women as “males in women’s sports,” Sarlo engaged in explicit misgendering, which is a dehumanizing act.  He went on to dismiss the rights of transgender individuals as “woke concerns” impacting a “very, very, very, very small minority.” Such language is not only harmful but also woefully out of touch with the realities facing marginalized communities in New Jersey.

As the lead couple in the fight for marriage equality in  New Jersey, my wife and I worked closely with Sen. Sarlo from 2009 to 2013. In 2010, he abstained from the vote, citing his Catholic upbringing.  By 2013, he had reversed his position and voted “yes,” telling my wife and me that our love story had changed his mind. At the time, we believed him, but now, I question whether his vote was genuine or merely a calculated move to align with shifting public opinion. After all, even Newt Gingrich had begun “evolving” on LGBTQ+ issues by then.

As the senator certainly remembers, those of us fighting for marriage were blamed for election losses, natural calamities, 9/11, harming children, and the end of the family unit. That’s the narrative we battled.  This sounds strikingly similar to that which the transgender community is now facing, yet Sen. Sarlo has again reversed his position, apparently going with the tide.  Belittling transgender rights as “woke,” using inaccurate rhetoric to stoke fear and division, and blaming a vulnerable community for electoral setbacks are tactics straight from the MAGA playbook and are eerily reminiscent of scapegoating tactics used during the darkest chapters of history. The parallels are unsettling and unacceptable, especially coming from a Democratic senator who should be standing against such tactics, not amplifying them.

Beyond the harm to the transgender community, Sarlo’s argument, as well as his demeanor during the interview, reek of misogyny. He failed to mention transgender men in sports — why is their participation not a concern for him? This selective outrage exposes the true nature of his remarks: they are not about fairness or sportsmanship but about weaponizing transphobia to pander to conservative fears.

Polls and studies have consistently shown that anti-transgender narratives did not sway voters in recent elections. In fact, many, including Republicans, found these attacks to be mean-spirited and irrelevant. Yet, instead of focusing on pressing issues like wildfires, climate change, economic inequality, education, and health care, Sarlo has chosen to target one of the most vulnerable communities in our state.

The consequences of his words are far-reaching. At a time when transgender individuals are rationing hormones, securing passports, and preparing to flee the country for their safety, Sarlo’s comments add to their fear and dehumanization. His words also deepen the disillusionment of the LGBTQ+ community and people of color who already feel abandoned by a party that offers empty platitudes instead of concrete action. As a grassroots leader, I began hearing from these communities over 1 year ago that they were losing faith in Democrats and considering sitting out the 2024 elections. Despite our efforts to engage them in voter outreach, we saw the results, and Sarlo’s words sadly justify their frustrations.

If Sen. Sarlo genuinely regrets his remarks, he must do more than issue a meaningless apology. True contrition requires action demonstrating his understanding and respect for the needs of transgender individuals.

New Jersey deserves leaders who fight for both economic justice and human rights — not those who exploit fear, perpetuate division, and scapegoat vulnerable populations. Sen. Sarlo, your words have harmed the LGBTQIA+ community and betrayed Democratic values. If you fail to take responsibility and act decisively, you will not only hurt the people you are supposed to serve but also jeopardize your party’s future in New Jersey. It’s time to reflect, take meaningful action, and restore the trust you’ve broken.

Louise Walpin is director of advocacy and organizing for SWEEP NJ.