Jessica Schwalb of the Washington Free Beacon highlights the latest evidence that Virginia’s governor is no moderate.
“Moderate” Virginia governor Abigail Spanberger (D.) tapped a left-wing activist with a long history of pushing gender transitions for minors to serve on the state’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. As Equality Arlington president and founder, Kellen MacBeth has also fought to allow biological boys in girls’ bathrooms, an issue that has sparked controversy in Virginia following high-profile sexual assaults by transgender students.
Spanberger announced MacBeth’s addition to the 26-member panel on May 22 alongside dozens of state board appointees. The LGBTQ+ board, which was established by former governor Ralph Northam (D.), produces reports on gay and trans Virginians that include policy and funding recommendations on issues like health and housing. It also requires that at least 15 members “identify as LGBTQ+”—MacBeth is married to a man.
Spanberger’s decision to appoint MacBeth marks an embrace of left-wing gender activism—one that contradicts the rhetoric Spanberger offered on the issue while campaigning as a “moderate” Democrat. Asked whether she supported biological boys playing in girls’ sports and using girls’ bathrooms, Spanberger gave vague answers arguing that local schools should make such decisions on an “individual” basis without offering her own views. In one case, Spanberger ran from a reporter who asked her to give a “direct” answer on the topic, leaving a campaign event in her car.
MacBeth’s organization, Equality Arlington, has offered clearer positions on transgender issues in schools. In February 2025, the group sent a letter signed by MacBeth to Arlington Public Schools asserting that students should play on sports teams that align with their chosen gender and urging the district to “stand up for the rights of transgender athletes.” It issued a similar letter the following July, calling on the Northern Virginia district “to oppose and resist” the Trump administration’s efforts to prohibit schools from allowing biological boys in girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms.
