The movement opposing the participation of transgender athletes in women’s and girls’ sports has garnered widespread support from most Americans, influential politicians, and even a specialized consumer market. One of the leaders of this movement is advocating for high-profile endorsements from prominent female athletes to amplify its reach.
Former NCAA swimmer and conservative figure Riley Gaines has been one of the most vocal advocates of this cause, ever since her controversial tie with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas at the NCAA championships. Gaines has since become a symbol of resistance against transgender inclusion in women’s sports.
Adding to the momentum, a new sportswear brand has emerged, dedicated to activism against the integration of transgender athletes into female sports. The brand has gained significant traction by offering financial incentives to female college athletes across the country to take a stand on the issue.
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Gaines believes that high-profile endorsements from top female athletes could propel the movement and the brand to new heights. “Key figures like Caitlin Clark and Simone Biles, who have shattered glass ceilings and inspired young girls nationwide, would be crucial to this cause,” Gaines told Fox News Digital.
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“If these athletes were to strongly declare that transgender athletes do not belong in women’s sports, the issue could be resolved almost overnight,” Gaines added. She noted that the cultural shift among Americans to protect women and girls from competing against transgender athletes is already underway, making such a stance less controversial than it might seem.
Jennifer Sey, founder of XX-XY Athletics, former U.S. gymnast, and former Levi’s executive, echoed Gaines’ sentiments in her statement. “We’re always encouraging more athletes to join this fight. We’d love to collaborate with anyone who stands up for the integrity of women’s sports,” Sey said. “This movement will reach its tipping point when athletes start defending women’s sports in large numbers.”
Sey previously told Fox Business that her brand exceeded seven figures in profits within the first 10 months of 2024. However, she believes the brand still lacks a superstar female athlete as a brand ambassador. “No top-tier competitive female athlete or coach has publicly stood up to protect women’s sports,” Sey noted.
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“It’s telling that we don’t yet have high-profile athletes willing to say, ‘I will fight to protect women’s sports.’ Many are likely afraid of being labeled or ostracized,” Sey added.
Both Gaines and Sey revealed that the brand is currently in talks with prominent female athletes, including Olympians. “We’re in discussions with many remarkable athletes, including Olympians,” Gaines said.
A recent New York Times/Ipsos survey revealed that the majority of Americans, including most Democrats, oppose allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports. The survey asked, “Should athletes who were born male but now identify as women be allowed to compete in women’s sports?” Out of 2,128 respondents, 79% said no.
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Among the 1,025 respondents who identified as Democrats or leaning Democrat, 67% opposed the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Similarly, a Gallup poll last year found that nearly 70% of Americans believe biological men should not be allowed to compete in women’s sports.
In June 2024, a NORC survey at the University of Chicago asked whether transgender athletes should compete in sports leagues aligned with their gender identity instead of their biological sex. Sixty-five percent responded that it should never or rarely be allowed. When specifically asked about adult transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, 69% were opposed.
Caitlin Clark, Riley Gaines, and Simone Biles (Imagin)
However, resistance to transgender inclusion in women’s sports has also led to harassment and even threats against athletes involved in the movement, including ambassadors for XX-XY Athletics.
Former San Jose State University volleyball co-captain Brooke Slusser, who joined the brand after speaking out against her school and the NCAA, shared her experience with a transgender teammate. Fox News reported that she was forced to leave campus this semester due to harassment and safety concerns.
Former SJSU assistant coach Melissa Batie-Smoose, who appeared in a recent ad titled “We see you, NCAA,” believes she was targeted in a February shooting because of her vocal opposition to the university’s alleged favoritism.
“The backlash we’ve faced is intense, but it’s losing its grip,” Gaines said.
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