In an era where political discourse often feels more divisive than ever, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg continues to rise as a symbol of thoughtful leadership, empathy, and progress. Openly gay, articulate, and increasingly a frontrunner in the Democratic race for 2028, Buttigieg recently sat down with Steve Inskeep on NPR’s Morning Edition—and what he had to say about one of today’s most sensitive cultural flashpoints deserves attention.
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During the conversation, Buttigieg addressed the ongoing debate surrounding transgender youth and their participation in sports. His message? The approach must begin with compassion.
“Compassion for transgender people, compassion for families, especially of young people who are going through this, and also empathy for people who are not sure what all of this means for them.”
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It’s a simple yet radical idea in a time where the topic of trans rights—especially trans youth in athletics—is often used as a wedge issue. While Buttigieg acknowledged that concerns from parents are valid—saying a parent “has a case” if their child is competing against a trans athlete—he firmly believes that politicians should not be the ones making these complex decisions. Instead, he advocates for such matters to be handled by sports leagues and school boards, institutions better equipped with firsthand understanding and expertise.
It’s a refreshing stance—one that respects the concerns of parents without turning trans children into political pawns. Buttigieg’s ability to walk this line, balancing empathy with pragmatism, speaks volumes about the kind of leader he is and the kind of future he envisions for America.
Pete Buttigieg: “The only antidote to a politics of fear is a politics of courage.” pic.twitter.com/j6VGASAxlI
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This interview comes at a time when support for transgender athletes has been declining, according to a 2025 Gallup poll. Since the survey began in 2021, both Republicans and Democrats have shown shifts in perspective, with Republicans consistently favoring participation based on sex assigned at birth. While Democrats remain more supportive of recognizing gender identity, even their support for trans athletes participating in teams that align with their gender identity has slipped below majority levels. However, the majority still holds that changing one’s gender is morally acceptable.
Buttigieg’s approach stands out not just for its nuance, but for its human-first philosophy—a leadership style desperately needed in these polarizing times. It’s no wonder he has just topped the 2028 Democratic primary polls, a milestone that’s both historic and hopeful. If his momentum continues, Buttigieg could become the first openly gay president of the United States, marking a powerful turning point in LGBTQ+ representation in American politics.
Although, Buttigieg tip-toes around the conversation, he emphasizes that conversations on transgender youth in sports should not be used by politicians for grandstanding, instead as politicians, they should be empowering the youth, communities, and schools “to make the right decisions.
In a political climate where fear often overshadows facts and dignity gets buried beneath division, Buttigieg’s steady, human-centered voice is a reminder that progress can come with kindness, and change can come with compassion.
REFERENCES: NPR, 2025 Gallup Poll