AOC’s Silence on Trans Inclusion Sparks Debate, Conservative Figure Urges Shift
The contentious national conversation surrounding the inclusion of transgender individuals in girls’ and women’s sports has intensified in recent weeks, prompting increased scrutiny of prominent political figures’ stances on the issue. Notably, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), a vocal advocate for progressive causes, has maintained a relatively low profile in the escalating debate. This silence has drawn the attention of conservative voices, with influencer Riley Gaines issuing a public invitation for the congresswoman to reconsider her position.
Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer who has become a prominent advocate for restricting transgender women’s participation in female sports, expressed her belief that Ocasio-Cortez possesses the influence to sway opinions within the Democratic Party. "I absolutely believe that AOC, of course she has a platform, she’s in a position of influence and power, and I believe she could influence the Democratic members to cross the line and return to sanity," Gaines stated in an interview.
Gaines further argued that Ocasio-Cortez has an "obligatory responsibility" as a member of Congress to address the issue, irrespective of potential political repercussions. While acknowledging their differing viewpoints on other policy matters, Gaines emphasized that she would "applaud her or any Democrat" who publicly opposed trans inclusion in women’s sports.
Gaines speculated that a shift in Ocasio-Cortez’s stance, even if perceived as "performative," could benefit her long-term political ambitions. "I don’t believe AOC is out of contention for running for president in 2028, and if that’s the case, [trans inclusion in women’s sports] is certainly something she would want to distance herself from," Gaines suggested.
Ocasio-Cortez’s last significant public statement on the issue came during a House vote on the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act in January. Her impassioned speech, in which she argued that the bill would empower child sexual predators and affirmed that "trans girls are girls," sparked considerable backlash, even within her own party. Reports indicated that some Democratic voters subsequently abandoned the party in response to Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks.
Since then, the issue has gained further momentum. Former President Donald Trump issued an executive order banning trans inclusion in women’s and girls’ sports nationally, while the NCAA amended its gender eligibility policies to align with the order. These developments have heightened tensions, with some Democratic states openly defying Trump’s directive, leading to federal investigations and potential funding cuts.
Despite the ongoing debate and the upcoming Senate vote on the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, Ocasio-Cortez has remained largely silent on the matter. Her only recent reference to the issue was a brief Bluesky post referencing an exchange between Trump and Maine Governor Janet Mills, stating, "that’s how it’s done." However, she has not addressed Trump’s order or the broader issue of trans inclusion in detail.
During a recent virtual town hall, Ocasio-Cortez did not address the issue despite receiving a question on it. Her office has also not responded to multiple requests for comment.
Ocasio-Cortez did touch upon the broader subject of Democratic support for the trans community during a podcast interview in January. "When we allow ourselves to constantly be distracted by these culture wars around trans people, it’s a new thing every day, and the answer isn’t that we just let those people be attacked, it’s that we say, ‘What are you doing, man?’ I think we need to make standing up for those folks just such an afterthought that it’s not even a debate," she said.
Gaines expressed little surprise at Ocasio-Cortez’s apparent distancing from the issue. "We shouldn’t be surprised this is the position AOC is taking," Gaines said. "Number one, cancel culture is losing its grip, and number two, it means they’re trying to distance themselves from their voting records or whatever that may be, because they know that this is a losing issue. And it shows they just have no conviction. From the inception, this issue has been a farce."
Ocasio-Cortez’s voting record reflects her past support for trans inclusion, including her votes in favor of the Equality Act and the Transgender Bill of Rights. She has also criticized those who oppose trans inclusion, even going so far as to label the Green Party as "predatory" for questioning the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. She has also in the past attacked Biden for not going far enough to include trans athletes.
The shifting political landscape surrounding trans inclusion in sports is underscored by recent survey data. A New York Times/Ipsos poll revealed that a majority of Americans, including a substantial percentage of Democrats, believe that transgender athletes should not be permitted to compete in women’s sports. Specifically, 79% of respondents opposed allowing biological males who identify as women to participate in women’s sports, with 67% of Democrats sharing this view.
Additionally, an exit poll conducted by a conservative women’s organization found that a significant proportion of moderate voters considered the issue of transgender athletes in women’s sports to be important in their voting decisions. This data suggests that the issue has the potential to influence electoral outcomes.
As the debate over trans inclusion in sports continues to evolve, the silence of prominent figures like Ocasio-Cortez is likely to fuel further scrutiny and speculation. The extent to which political leaders address this issue could have significant implications for both policy and electoral politics.
