The Push for Star Power in the Debate Over Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports
The ongoing debate surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s and girls’ sports has garnered significant attention, drawing support from a diverse range of individuals, including a majority of Americans, politicians, and even a specific consumer market. At the forefront of this movement is former NCAA swimmer and conservative influencer Riley Gaines, who has emerged as a prominent advocate against transgender inclusion in women’s sports. Gaines gained notoriety after her tie with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA championships, an event that propelled her into the national spotlight.
In 2024, Gaines further solidified her position in the movement by becoming the first brand ambassador for XX-XY Athletics, an activist sportswear brand dedicated to promoting activism against transgender inclusion in women’s sports. The brand has strategically capitalized on the controversy, gaining both prominence and profitability by catering to a market segment that opposes transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. In addition to promoting their message, XX-XY Athletics has also created financial incentives for women’s college athletes across the country to take a stand on the issue by signing with the brand.
Gaines believes that the movement can reach new heights with the support of high-profile athletes like Caitlin Clark and Simone Biles. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Gaines stated that these women, who have "shattered glass ceilings and broken barriers" and serve as "role models to young girls across the country," could significantly impact the debate. Gaines believes that if these athletes were to "emphatically say they [trans athletes] do not belong in women’s sports," the issue would be resolved "across all levels, like yesterday." She maintains that this outcome is not as far-fetched as it may seem, citing a cultural shift among Americans towards protecting women and girls from transgender athletes.
Jennifer Sey, the founder of XX-XY Athletics and a former U.S. gymnast and Levi’s executive, echoed Gaines’ sentiment in a statement to Fox News Digital. Sey affirmed the brand’s commitment to "encouraging more female athletes to join the fight" and expressed their willingness to collaborate with anyone "standing up for the integrity of women’s sports." Sey emphasized the importance of athletes defending women’s sports in large numbers, stating that "this ends when the athletes defend women’s sports in large numbers."
While XX-XY Athletics has achieved significant financial success, surpassing a seven-figure profit in its first 10 months, Sey acknowledges that the brand is still lacking a superstar women’s athlete as a brand ambassador. She lamented the absence of "a top-tier competitive female athlete or coach that has stood up for the protection of women’s sports," attributing this hesitancy to fear of being subjected to public criticism and negative labels.
Despite the challenges, Gaines and Sey remain optimistic, stating that they are "in talks" with prominent women athletes, including Olympians. They are actively engaged in conversations with "many amazing athletes, Olympians, and beyond," indicating their determination to secure high-profile endorsements for their cause.
The debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports has been a contentious issue, with varying perspectives and arguments on both sides. However, recent surveys suggest a growing consensus among Americans regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. A New York Times/Ipsos survey revealed that the vast majority of Americans, including a majority of Democrats, do not believe that transgender athletes should be permitted to compete in women’s sports.
The survey specifically asked participants whether they believed that "transgender female athletes — meaning athletes who were male at birth but who currently identify as female — do you think they should or should not be allowed to compete in women’s sports?" Of the 2,128 people who participated, 79% opposed allowing biological males who identify as women to participate in women’s sports. Notably, 67% of the 1,025 respondents who identified as Democrats or leaning Democrat also expressed opposition to transgender athletes competing with women.
These findings are consistent with a Gallup poll conducted last year, which found that nearly 70% of Americans believe that biological men should not be permitted to compete in women’s sports. Similarly, a June 2024 survey by NORC at the University of Chicago revealed that 65% of respondents believe that transgender athletes of both sexes should "never or rarely" be allowed to participate in sports leagues that correspond to their preferred gender identity instead of their biological sex. When asked specifically about adult transgender female athletes competing in women’s sports, 69% opposed it.
While the movement against transgender inclusion in women’s sports appears to be gaining momentum, it is essential to acknowledge that opposition to this stance has resulted in harassment and even crime against athletes involved in the movement, including XX-XY Athletics brand ambassadors. Brooke Slusser, a former San Jose State University women’s volleyball co-captain who signed with the brand after speaking out against her school and the NCAA, was forced to leave campus due to harassment and threats she received for expressing her beliefs.
Slusser’s former SJSU assistant coach, Melissa Batie-Smoose, who appeared in XX-XY Athletics’ recent "We See You NCAA" advertisement, had her home shot at in February and believes she was targeted for speaking out against the university’s alleged favoritism of Fleming, a transgender athlete on the volleyball team.
Gaines acknowledged the challenges faced by those who oppose transgender inclusion in women’s sports, stating, "It’s crazy what we have seen from the other side." However, she also expressed optimism that the opposition "doesn’t have the chokehold that it once did," suggesting a shift in the public discourse surrounding the issue.
The debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports remains a complex and multifaceted issue with significant implications for athletes, sporting organizations, and society as a whole. While the movement against transgender inclusion in women’s sports has garnered support from a majority of Americans and is actively seeking endorsements from high-profile athletes, it is essential to acknowledge the diverse perspectives and arguments on both sides of this issue. As the debate continues, it is crucial to foster respectful dialogue and consider the potential consequences of any policy changes on all athletes involved.
