Full Breakdown
Anti-Trans Backlash Meets Fierce Defense in the WNBA
By Drooid · · How we work
Escalating Opposition and Legislative Backdrop
Fox News aired more than 200 segments about the league that month, and the sports-apparel brand XX-XY, which lobbies to exclude athletes based on assigned sex, began selling shirts emblazoned with its name at games. The brand’s founder was later photographed courtside with Cunningham and commentator Riley Gaines. The controversy coincided with a June U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding state bans on trans girls in school sports and a series of ballot measures—such as Washington’s proposal requiring doctor-verified gender—that aim to restrict trans participation.
Player and Fan Mobilization
WNBA athletes have publicly rejected the anti-trans rhetoric. Chicago Sky forward Natasha Cloud and Golden State Valkyries guard Gabby Williams have voiced support for trans people; Williams said in May she would “welcome” a trans teammate. At a New York Liberty playoff game, fans at Wilka’s Sports Bar displayed a “trans people belong in sports” sign and cheered when Liberty forward Jonquel Jones blocked and chest-bumped Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese.
In response to Turning Point USA’s pro-Cunningham rally outside a Fever-Liberty game, organizers distributed Transgender Law Center-branded shirts reading “Trans people belong here,” held dances, and staged supportive rallies at Valkyries games. Arne Johnson of Rainbow Families Action described these gatherings as “protecting each other” and highlighted the role of trans youth like high-schooler Jules, who said she enjoys being asked for signs and photos.
Public Opinion and Ongoing Harassment
A June poll by the National Women’s Law Center found that voters oppose the Supreme Court’s involvement in setting policy for trans athletes and reject reversing state protections for trans student athletes. Nonetheless, harassment persists. During a July Fever-Storm game, Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton confronted XX-XY supporters, prompting a league fine and suspension. In September, a Portland sports bar expelled a group wearing XX-XY shirts, while later that month right-wing protesters were met with bear spray after counter-protesters arrived.
Last season, men began tossing dildos onto the court—a trend revived this season by cryptocurrency influencers citing the trans debate. Black players such as Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell report ongoing racist abuse online, which advocates say often intersects with anti-trans hostility.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I love strong women, and I love supporting strong women,” — August
- “It’s not about protecting women’s sports,” — Allie, another Liberty fan at Wilka’s
- “If we got completely destroyed in a game, I would not care,” — Jules
