ESPN recently published a feature on Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham where she took a firm stance against transgender athletes being allowed in women's sports. Despite some backlash, she stands by what she said.
In the ESPN feature, Cunningham addressed allegations that she is transphobic or hates transgender people. "I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I'm like, 'I never once said that.' I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men,'" she said in the feature.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Cunningham was asked about her comments and she made it clear that she stands by them.
“I said what I said. I think it’s kind of common sense…" Cunningham said. "I think it’s really important to protect children... I don’t dislike anyone. … I’m there to love, but I’m also there to love biological women…”
The Debate Rages On
Cunningham's comments continue to stir debate on social media, with many praising her for standing against transgender athletes in women's sports while others are accusing her of just trying to hide transphobia:
"Nothing wrong with not wanting a biological dude in a women's locker room or playing women's sports... People are just sensitive and automatically think you hate something or someone just because you don't support what they do...." one user on X remarked.
"Sad comments. We will remember people like this as those who defended discrimination and segregation. Those who say, 'you can’t play with me because you were born different.' They won’t be remembered fondly. There’s always time to change your mind, and actually accept people," wrote another.
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"Finally, a current, female, professional athlete, brave enough to speak some basic common sense. There’s absolutely nothing hateful about what she’s said," a third wrote.
"When people show you who they are, believe them. There’s enough evidence at this point to conclude that she is transphobic. All these think pieces about where she stands are unnecessary and pointless. She’s not only told us with her words, she’s shown it with her actions," a fourth said.
The debate rages ever onwards.
