Sophie Cunningham reiterates stance on transgender athletes in women’s sports
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham recently reaffirmed her comments regarding the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Speaking before the Fever’s 123-88 victory over the Connecticut Sun, Cunningham stated that it is “common sense” to prevent transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.
Cunningham’s remarks follow an earlier article where she expressed a desire to “protect young girls in the locker room” and asserted that “they shouldn’t have to go against biological men.” She maintained her position, emphasizing the importance of protecting children, specifically young girls, in this context.
Cunningham’s Perspective and Political Stance
The issue of transgender athlete participation in sports has become increasingly politicized. Recent developments include the Supreme Court upholding individual state bans on transgender athletes competing alongside cisgender athletes, approximately a year after an executive order aimed to block transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports.
Despite the political nature of the topic, Cunningham stated that she is “not a very political person.” She indicated that her stance is driven by her morals and is not reflective of her political alignment. Cunningham also clarified that she does not dislike anyone and believes there is “room to love everyone,” but she also feels it is important to protect the rights of “biological women.”
Cunningham highlighted the significance of Title IX, a 1972 law designed to ensure gender equality by prohibiting sex discrimination in federally funded educational programs. She credited Title IX with substantially increasing participation in girls’ and women’s sports in the U.S., arguing that without such protections, women’s sports would not have the visibility they currently possess.
When asked if her comments could be perceived as derogatory, Cunningham reiterated that she has never expressed hatred towards the transgender community. She stressed her commitment to her beliefs, stating, “I’ll never falter in my beliefs in that.”
Team Response and Public Reaction
Following Cunningham’s pregame comments, the Fever issued a statement promoting inclusivity among their fanbase. The organization emphasized its commitment to welcoming fans from all backgrounds and treating everyone with respect. The team has also regularly hosted Pride nights to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
Cunningham acknowledged that her bluntness regarding potential backlash might “sound bad,” but she remains undeterred by criticism. She noted that while some reactions are negative, many others offer positive reinforcement, with individuals expressing appreciation for her speaking out. Cunningham stated that she does not focus on either the positive or negative feedback, preferring to maintain her own perspective.
In a separate profile, Cunningham addressed being labeled a “MAGA Barbie,” stating that she is not easily categorized and often finds herself in the middle, agreeing and disagreeing with aspects from both sides of various issues. She shared a tweet from CBS Sports host Josh Pate concerning former Penn transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, which stated, “Female collegiate athletes deserve so much better than this.”
Cunningham is currently in her second season with the Fever, having been acquired in a trade from the Phoenix Mercury in February 2025. She re-signed with Indiana on a one-year deal in April and is averaging 9.3 points per game, shooting 42.9 percent on 3-pointers.
Read Also
Source: nytimes.com
