A movement against transgender athletes participating in women’s sports has gained significant traction, garnering support from a wide array of Americans, influential politicians, and a niche consumer market. However, the push for change has taken an interesting turn as one of the movement’s leaders is now calling for support from some prominent figures in the sports world.
Former NCAA swimmer and conservative influencer Riley Gaines has emerged as a vocal advocate for the cause, particularly after her controversial tie with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA championships. In 2024, Gaines made history by becoming the first brand ambassador for XX-XY Athletics, a sports brand dedicated to activism against transgender inclusion in women’s sports.
The brand, which has seen significant success by championing this cause, has extended financial incentives to women’s college athletes across the nation to take a stand on the issue by signing with the brand. Gaines is now looking to elevate the movement by enlisting the support of two high-profile athletes – Caitlin Clark and Simone Biles.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Gaines expressed her belief that athletes of Clark and Biles’ caliber could make a significant impact by publicly denouncing the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. She emphasized the importance of role models like Clark and Biles in shaping the narrative and setting an example for young girls across the country.
Gaines highlighted the cultural shift among Americans towards safeguarding the rights of women and girls in sports, suggesting that the issue may not be as far-fetched as it seems. The founder of XX-XY Athletics, Jennifer Sey, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of having more female athletes join the fight to protect the integrity of women’s sports.
Sey revealed that the brand is actively engaging with various prominent female athletes, including Olympians, to amplify their cause and make a more significant impact. While the brand has seen considerable success, Sey acknowledged the need for a top-tier competitive female athlete or coach to step up as a brand ambassador to further their mission.
As the conversation around transgender athletes in women’s sports continues to evolve, a recent survey revealed that a significant majority of Americans, including a majority of Democrats, are against allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports. The findings of the survey underscore the widespread support for preserving the integrity of women’s sports and maintaining a level playing field for all athletes.
Despite the overwhelming public sentiment against transgender athletes in women’s sports, those advocating for change have faced backlash, harassment, and even threats. Former San Jose State University women’s volleyball co-captain Brooke Slusser, who has been vocal about her experiences with transgender teammates, shared that she had to leave campus due to harassment and threats for her beliefs.
Slusser’s former coach, Melissa Batie-Smoose, also faced violence after speaking out against the alleged favoritism shown towards transgender athletes. These incidents highlight the challenges faced by those who choose to speak up against the prevailing narrative in women’s sports.
While the road ahead may be fraught with obstacles and resistance, Gaines remains optimistic about the progress made and the impact that influential figures like Clark and Biles can have on the movement. By uniting in the fight to protect the integrity of women’s sports, these athletes can inspire change and set a new standard for inclusivity and fairness in the world of sports.
As the conversation around transgender athletes in women’s sports continues to evolve, a recent survey revealed that a significant majority of Americans, including a majority of Democrats, are against allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports. The findings of the survey underscore the widespread support for preserving the integrity of women’s sports and maintaining a level playing field for all athletes.
