The California high school volleyball player at the centre of conservative outrage has spoken publicly, insisting she is “just a normal kid.”
AB Hernandez, a student at Jurupa Valley High School near Los Angeles, has faced protests and political attacks over her participation on the girls’ volleyball and track-and-field teams. At least three schools have chosen to forfeit games rather than compete against her.
Speaking Out
In an interview with CBS Los Angeles, Hernandez pushed back at claims that her participation is a threat.
“They swear I’m this crazy danger to society. I’m just a normal kid going to school, playing sports.”
Political Backlash
The controversy has drawn national attention, including from Donald Trump, who has threatened to withhold federal funding from California schools that refuse to follow his executive order banning trans women from competing in female sports.
The directive declared that U.S. policy is to “oppose male competitive participation in women’s sports… as a matter of safety, fairness, dignity and truth.”
Frustration & Support
Hernandez says the criticism feels reductive:
“People just see one thing and they’re like, ‘Oh, that’s what you are’. They don’t take the time to get to know me. So, it’s just a little frustrating.”
Her mother expressed gratitude after Chaffey High School in Ontario became one of the few schools willing to play against Hernandez’s team.
“I’m grateful, thankful. As a mom, it means a lot. Those girls mean a lot because I know it helps AB get through hard times.”
